RAAS
Ruth Mareen, violin
Marie-Lou Debels, guitar
Storming, whooshing and flying are three synonyms for raving.
RAAS represents a violin-guitar duo that wants to surprise:
a classical duo with an edge!
A strong connection with each other and the audience, a shared passion for chamber music and an infectious enthusiasm are key. Consequently, a recurring comment from their audience is: ‘You guys are so together, almost telepathic’. Because of this connection and their cosy ensemble, violinist Ruth Mareen and guitarist Marie-Lou Debels prefer to play in intimate locations without sheet music.
The RAAS musical landscape has a rich diversity: both classical and contemporary works, music from Spain, Latin America, the Balkans, and tango. Their music is given its own twist by arranging and improvising themselves always respecting the traditions and origins of each piece. Moreover, RAAS is a national and international success. For instance, their recordings in November 2021 won them the First and Special prize in the International Strings and Chamber Music competition (Romania) and a first prize in the Premier Music International Competition (Hungary). They have also already played at the Wild West, the MA festival and at the opening of the Rubens House.
After their training with renowned musicians Raphaella Smits, Roel Dieltiens and Joao Carlos Victor, from September 2022 they will be further mentored at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague by Pavel Steidl and Janet Krause.
Programma halve finale
BULGARIAN RHYTHMS
Bela Bartók
Six Dances in Bulgarian Rhythm (from: Mikrokosmos, selection, arr. RAAS)
I.
II.
Atanas Ourkouzounov
Sonatina Bulgarica
I. Allegro Ritmico
II. Largo
III. Vivo Con Fuoco
Tilen Lebar
Self-Transcendence (from: Hylomorph)
TANGO
Astor Piazzolla
Soledad
Libertango
