BALKAN Splinters

Rushing, whizzing and flying are three synonyms for ‘racing’, and that’s exactly how Duo RAAS feels. Violinist Ruth Mareen and guitarist Marie-Lou Debels immerse you in a captivating soundscape brimming with rhythm, energy and connection. A classical duo, but with a twist! Joined for this occasion by violinist and composer Mart Flecijn, they present a lively programme featuring traditional tunes, original compositions and fresh arrangements of pieces by Béla Bartók. Striking a balance between melancholy and dance – that’s very veelbeLEUVENd! In this concert, the trio delves into the world of Balkan music: folk music that has evolved from communal gatherings, transmission and an oral tradition in which melodies and rhythms are passed down from generation to generation. Mart Flecijn, who was taught Hungarian folk music from a young age personally by masters in the Balkan region, is now passing this traditional music on to the duo. She has also written a new piece for this occasion: BALKAN Splinters. Featuring music by Béla Bartók, Mart Flecijn and Hungarian folk tunes. Bio Guitarist Marie-Lou Debels and violinist Ruth Mareen met at the Lemmens Institute in Leuven. Since then, their music has been heard in local community centres and living rooms, as well as on traditional stages and at major festivals such as the Bijloke concert hall, MA festival and Klarafestival. Mart Flecijn is a versatile violinist and composer who alternates between classical music, world music and jazz. She has performed in Mexico, France, Spain, Turkey, Portugal and the Netherlands. In Flanders, she has collaborated with Ão, BLØF, the Antwerp Philharmonic Orchestra, Bart Peeters and many others. She is joining the duo on stage especially for this concert. ----------------------------- >>> This concert is part of the highlight Unstoppable.Discover today the talents of tomorrow. They are young, driven, and ready to claim their place. ------------------------------ >>> This concert is part of veelbeLEUVENd jong klassiek A breath of fresh air is blowing through the classical music scene in Leuven. At veelbeLEUVENd, young and ambitious musicians curate their own concert series, providing performance opportunities for emerging talents.