Splendor Solis (The Splendour of the Sun) is an alchemical text from the renaissance, attributed to Salomon Trimosin. Amongst other things, it describes a three-step alchemical process of rebirth and transformation, symbolised by three suns: The first stage is Nigredo, symbolised by a black sun, associated with putrefaction and destruction. This is followed by Albedo, symbolised by a white sun, associated with purity and awakening. The final stage is Rubedo, symbolised by a red sun, associated with rebirth and creation. This piece brings the alchemical process to life, from the destruction of the old, to the birth of the new.

Nigredo, often translated to ‘blackness’ in English, and symbolised by a black sun, is a term in (renaissance) alchemy often associated with putrefaction and destruction. This destruction is the first stage of an alchemical process. It is a necessary step for the birth or creation of something new. This composition emulates this process, laying the foundation for something new to be able to grow.

Nigredo was premiered by the symphony orchestra of the Conservatory of Amsterdam with César Ramos conducting.

Radimlja is a medieval necropolis located near Stolac, Bosnia-Herzegovina. The site is protected by UNESCO as part of the World Heritage List because of its grave markings. This piece takes inspiration from the reliefs on these graves, as well as a poem also named Radimlja by Bosnian poet Mak Dizdar (1917-1971), combining multiple reoccurring motifs into an exciting rhapsody. Read the full poem here.

Radimlja was premiered by the Dianto Reed Quintet during the Alba Rosa Viëtor/Calefax Composers Contest.

Based on the poem So, we’ll go no more a roving by Lord Byron (1788-1824), and inspired by Maude Valerie White’s (1855-1937) piece with the same title, published in 1888 for voice and piano, this work pictures the emotional aftermath of an ended relationship. Although the original piece and poem are more about the end of youthful optimism and aging, this re-imagination takes a far darker turn. Read the full poem here.

By the Light of the Moon was premiered by Sophia Hunt (soprano) and the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra as part of the Opera Forward Festival 2025.

Based on the poem with the same title by T.S. Eliot (1888-1965), originally written in the aftermath of the First World War, this four movement work for string quartet gives new meaning to the poem, reflecting on the current state of the world. Read the full poem here.

‘Sonification’ is defined as the usage of audio to perceptualize data, or, in short, translating something into sound. This two movement set-up piece for four percussionist aims to give ‘time’ a sound.

The title Changing Shapes refers to the way a limited amount of musical material changes context over the course of the composition. Changing Shapes was premiered by Duo Dulfer & Witteveen as part of the Gaudeaumus Festival 2023.

Vjetrenica (literally meaning ‘wind cave’) is a cave system in Bosnia and Herzegovina, located near Zavala on the Popovo Polje (‘priests plain’). It is the largest cave in Bosnia and Herzegovina and considered the most biodiverse cave in the world. In 2024, Vjetrenica cave was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This piece is inspired by Bosnian Sevdah, a traditional folk genre from the Balkans often about (unfulfilled) longing and love. Sevdah music is characterised by its moderate tempo and melodies. Vjetrenica makes use of microtones, these often based around the bayati makam, which is common in Sevdah music.

凝視 (Níng Shì), Mandarin for ‘gazing at’ or ‘to fix one’s eyes on’ is a piece that explores the exposure and vulnerability of musicians when performing. Many musicians struggle with stage fright, which is often deemed shameful and unsightly. However, it is integral to the reality of being on stage. This project transforms the performer’s fear into an audible trace and invites the audience to witness a performer’s authentic emotion.

Níng Shì was premiered by Cherilynne Wang on the 27th of May 2025.

Based on the poem So, we’ll go no more a roving by Lord Byron (1788-1824), and inspired by Maude Valerie White’s (1855-1937) piece with the same title, published in 1888 for voice and piano, this work pictures the emotional aftermath of an ended relationship. Although the original piece and poem are more about the end of youthful optimism and aging, this re-imagination takes a far darker turn. Read the full poem here.

By the Light of the Moon was premiered by Sophia Hunt (soprano) and the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra as part of the Opera Forward Festival 2025.

Reversed Decrease was recorded by Ana Teresa Pereira in December of 2023.

Nightfall/Reminiscence were recorded by Samuel Jesset (saxophone) and Jana Schell (piano) in March of 2024.