Dutch – English literal translation: now my clog (dutch wooden shoe) is breaking
Meaning: This is said when suddenly something unexpected happens or is said about which one expresses its utter amazement. (http://www.encyclo.nl/begrip/nu%20breekt%20mijn%20klomp)

This year in Amsterdam has nothing short of amazing. My highlight was studying with Arno Bornkamp, having conversations about his past with saxophone and life, playing Bach, transcriptions and working on pieces that I have referred to umpteen times on his CDs. I have grown not only as a musician but also as a person. I am already looking forward to what next year will bring.

I have made friends from all over the world, thanks to a very international group of students at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Chamber music was one of my favourite parts of the course, I worked in a saxophone duo with Yuka Sato. Also it was especially rewarding with the MOV.ensemble with Deborah Witteveen, Jos Baggermans, Mateusz Pusiewicz and myself, where we memorized quartet music and had the opportunity to work with Arno as well as the Apollo Saxophone Quartet.

In the experimental Creative Performance Lab (CPL) classes, we collaborated with scenographers at our sister school, the AHK Academy of Film and Danse. We created an approximately 2 storey high structure, projected film through it and of course choreographed movement and music for it. It was an intense 5 months of work, but the end product was very well received.

Carnatic music aka takedimi, commonly associated with the system of music from southern India, were lessons I had quite intensively throughout the year. At the end of the year, we performed the World Premiere of Spanish composer, Silva Lanao’s piece entitled Libèl·lula for soprano saxophone, baritone saxophone, pan flute, flute and bass clarinet. The title of the course was called Contemporary Music through Non-Western Techniques, I found it extremely useful and have started applying it to all the music I perform!

I am excited for another year of music in Amsterdam, in the meanwhile do come around for my performances if I will be in your city!:

Melbourne International Saxophone Festival 2018
Take Flight with Merism Duo (Mary Osborn)
28th July 2018, 15h15 – 15h45
Tallis Hall, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
http://www.melbournesaxophone.com/take-flight/

Melbourne Saxophone Ensemble
29th July 2018, 19h
Melba Hall, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music

Merism Duo in Sydney
3rd August 2018, 19h

8th Singapore Saxophone Symposium 2018
Xin Saxophone Quartet
11th August 2018, 15h – 15h30
Lee Foundation Theatre, NAFA
http://singaporesaxophonesymposium.com/2018/programme/recital-by-xin-saxophone-quartet/

Merism Duo
12th August 2018, 16h – 16h30
Lee Foundation Theatre, NAFA
http://singaporesaxophonesymposium.com/2018/programme/recital-by-merism-duo/

Singapore Saxophone Symposium 2018 Gala Concert (with Xin Saxophone Quartet & Octet combined with NAFA Saxophone Quartet)
12th August 2018, 19h30 – 21h30
Lee Foundation Theatre, NAFA

Merism Duo in Singapore
14th August 2018, 19h30 – 21h
Sinfonietta Recital Hall, Forte Musicademy