Roctet

Roctet is the first permanent string octet in the Netherlands and has established a unique position in the chamber music world since its founding in 2016. The ensemble is known for its expressive and energetic playing style and performs on both national and international stages. In addition to performances in leading concert halls, Roctet regularly makes live appearances on radio and television. A highlight was its acclaimed debut in the Main Hall of the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.

In January 2025, Roctets was released second album CHANGES, with a new piece as title work Theo Loevendie, composed especially for the ensemble. This album also features the Octet by Respighi and the monumental Octet by George EnescuFor this album Roctet was nominated for a Edison Classical 2025 in the Chamber Music category, a recognition that underscores the ensemble's leading position within Dutch chamber music. The album was received with praise in the press.Another bullseye” wrote Trouw, praising the ensemble for its “incredible precision and joie de vivre.The Parool spoke of “a little piece of magic that moves the listener to tears several times”.

In 2020, Roctet released his debut album Novoselye – Housewarming out on Challenge Records International, featuring works by Mendelssohn, Shostakovich and the world premiere of Novoselye by Nikolay Afanasyev.

With a relentless drive to innovate the string octet repertoire, Roctet remains committed to raising the profile of this unique chamber music genre. By combining great classics with new, groundbreaking compositions, the ensemble aims to firmly establish the string octet as a full-fledged ensemble.

Roctet:  

Joris van Rijn, violin
Julija Hartig, violin
Masha Iakovleva, violin
Filipe Fernandes, violin
Francien Schatborn, viola
Frank Brakkee, viola
Eveline Kraayenhof, cello
Anneke Janssen, cello