Agathe Ensemble presents Scenes of a Folk Life, a program featuring folk music from the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.
Originally written for piano, these works have been arranged for strings by the musicians themselves and will be included on Agathe's second studio album, due for release in April 2026.
Folk meets classical
Scenes of a Folk Life explores the meeting point between folk traditions from the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway and classical music. Featuring works by Julius Röntgen, Amanda Maier, and Edvard Grieg, the album presents new arrangements for string ensemble that highlight the dances, songs, and shared spirit of these three countries.
Although the composers came from different backgrounds and influences, they were connected through close encounters and mutual inspiration. By listening closely to what lies beneath the notes, Agathe Ensemble brings the folk voice within these compositions back to the surface, inviting us to hear the scenes they evoke.
Our own arrangements
With our new arrangements for string ensemble, we aim to bring this music to the public's attention. The songs and dances hidden within these compositions become clearly audible once again. We were guided by the rhythm, energy, and meaning inherent in each piece, which we want to make relevant again today.
All arrangements were created by cellist Ivan Nogueira and violist Almudena Gonzalez-Regueral.
The music
Julius Röntgen
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Old Farmer Songs and Contra Dances
- Scenes from Dutch Life, Op. 81
Amanda Maier
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Swedish Melodies and Dances, Op. 6
Edvard Grieg
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4 Norwegian Folk Dances, Op. 35
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Bridal Procession, Op 19 No. 2
Agathe Ensemble - musicians in the recordings of the album
Violin: Aleksandra Kwiatkowska, Leonid Nikishin, Ella van der Mespel, Raquel Marin, Fiona Robertson
Viola: Almudena González-Regueral, Fernando Pérez
Cello: Ivan Nogueira, Jorge Municio
The artwork
Alongside the music, a new series of illustrations is being created by graphic artist Roland Toth. These illustrations explore the background of the music and combine it with the linocut printing technique. They are also included in the album booklet, where they accompany the text describing the music, its origins, and its meaning.
Just like Intimate Sketches, it will appear as a beautifully illustrated booklet, filled with stories and background details about the music. The design is once again by Roland Toth.
4 Norwegian Folk Dances, Op. 35 - Allegro Marcato (excerpt) - E. Grieg
Album Release Tour
In April 2026, the new album will be released!
During the concerts, the Agathe Ensemble can be heard in two different formations: with four or eight musicians.
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In the smaller formation (four musicians), the arrangements from the album are slightly adapted – perfect for more intimate and smaller venues.
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With the eight musicians formation, you will hear the concert as it was originally recorded, with a varied program ranging from intimate and virtuoso duos to more elaborate octets.
Keep an eye on our concert calendar for all upcoming dates, and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on the album and more!
"What could be better in these serious times than to immerse oneself in old times and try to bring back to life what once flourished and has enduring value!”
- Julius Röntgen, 1915
Crowdfunding Campaign succesfully completed!
100% Reached – Thank You!
We did it — together! Thanks to your incredible support, our crowdfunding goal is fully reached. ❤️
This spring, we’ll share the finished album Scenes of a Folk Life with you, a project made possible by your generosity. Rewards will also be sent out around that time.
Until then, we’ll be in the studio bringing the music to life. Thank you for believing in us!
— With love from all of us at Agathe Ensemble 🍂