This year, Agathe Ensemble is fully immersing itself in the production of our second album.
Folk and popular music from the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, seen through the eyes of:
J. Röntgen, E. Grieg, and A. Maier
Eight musicians will take part in the production of this album.
The first concerts will take place on May 9 and 10, 2025. Will you be there?
Julius Röntgen
When young pianist and composer Julius Röntgen moved from Germany to the Netherlands in 1877, he quickly became an active part of the local cultural scene. He was particularly drawn to Dutch folk music, and through its songs and dances, he gained insight into the country’s popular traditions, daily life, and the spirit of its people. This music became a lasting source of inspiration in his compositions.
Folk Music
Like his close friend Edvard Grieg from Norway and his wife Amanda Maier from Sweden, Röntgen spent his life collecting and studying folk melodies. Folk music captures the essence of a people’s soul - simple yet profound, deeply rooted in tradition yet timeless in its beauty.
Agathe Ensemble presents Scenes of a Folk Life, featuring folk-inspired music from the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. Originally written for piano, these pieces have been arranged by the musicians themselves for strings and will be part of Agathe’s second studio album, set for release in 2026.
Program
Julius Röntgen:
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Oud Hollandsche Boerenliedjes en Contradansen
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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 Dances, Op. 35
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Scenes of a Country Life, Op 19
Agathe Ensemble:
🎻 Violin: Aleksandra Kwiatkowska, Leonid Nikishin, Ella van der Mespel, Raquel Marin
🎻 Viola: Almudena González-Regueral, Fernando Pérez
🎻 Cello: Ivan Nogueira, Jorge Municio
Album Release Tour
In April 2026, the new album will be released!
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.
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 eight musicians, you’ll hear the concert as it was originally recorded, featuring a varied program ranging from intimate and virtuosic duos to larger-scale 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!
“The folk tunes are true musical art. They have lived through centuries, shaped by the people, carrying our stories, our joys, and our sorrows.” – Edvard Grieg
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 🍂