Canto Ostinato

Discover the magic of Canto Ostinato, an iconic composition by Simeon ten Holt that is loved worldwide and continues to make a deep impression on musicians and listeners.

At first glance, the work seems traditional, but the freedom of choice it offers makes each performance unique. The musicians themselves determine which instruments are used, how many times the musical fragments are repeated and how the dynamics and articulation are shaped. This creates an 'open scenario' in which each performance becomes a new, unique experience.

For the musicians, Canto Ostinato is a social process; intensive collaboration and communication are essential. For the listener, it can be a life-changing experience – a moment in which time seems to stand still and space is created for intuition and reflection. The work invites a deep connection with the music and with the ever-changing composition of our own lives.

Tomoko has been playing Canto Ostinato for over twenty years, both solo and in collaboration with other musicians. Her collaboration with virtuoso percussionist Diego Espinosa Cruz González on marimba highlights the endless possibilities of this special composition and shows once again how rich and versatile the palette of timbre can be.