Renée Bekkers (1985) and Pieternel Berkers (1986) have been playing together ever since they studied at the music school in the southern Dutch town of Gemert. They drifted together because they shared the same dedicated approach towards performing, brushing everything else aside in preparation for a concert. This approach remained with them throughout their studies at the Fontys Conservatory in Tilburg, during which they founded their duo TOEAC, and subsequent studies at the Royal Danish Academy of Music in Copenhagen. After completing their Masters there, they were admitted to its Advanced Postgraduate Diploma – the first musicians to be enlisted as an ensemble. Toeacʼs dedication shines through in performance. People see two musicians who are totally absorbed by the music, its emotions washing through them, their faces expressing deep concentration, radiating the joy that playing gives them. It evokes a positive response, with members of the audience often telling how much the concert has touched them. Renée and Pieternel enjoy playing a broad repertoire, ranging from Edvard Grieg to Astor Piazzolla and Jacob ter Veldhuis.

NORDIC MUSIC

TOEAC contemplated recording a CD for some time. Assuming that they might record more albums in the coming years they (wanting those to be more than just collections of personal favourites) preferred to select pieces according to a theme. That would give the music a certain focus and unity, while at the same time allowing them to present repertoire of a wide scope. Nordic Music seemed particularly appropriate.

To Renée and Pieternel their studies with Geir Draugsvoll and James Crabb in Copenhagen have been of exceptional value. Completing their Masters at the Royal

Danish Academy of Music and attending its Advanced Postgraduate Diploma, they have been able to further develop their skills and musical sensitivity. It has given them the chance to meet and work with musicians and composers, establishing lasting relationships with them.

 At the Academy they discovered a treasure trove of Scandinavian repertoire. Two pieces stood out: Griegʼs famous ‘Holberg Suite’ and Jørgensenʼs ‘Kommos’, which makes great demands on the skills of the performers. TOEACʼs first CD is a tribute to this repertoire, and celebrates their experiences in Denmark: acquired skills, insights 1and new friends. Encompassing a wide spectrum of genres and serving as a homecoming after a two year sojourn in Scandinavia, the theme and title of this CD are as inevitable as they are suitable: NORDIC MUSIC.