May, 2026 - Ralph van Raat

New CD released with Music for Piano Solo by Dutch composer Jan Vriend; first reviews published by NRC and OpusKlassiek

May 30, 2026

A new CD has been released on the ATTACCA label with piano solo works by Dutch composer Jan Vriend (b. 1938), the second CD after the first one was published in 2023. Originally a student of Iannis Xenakis, Vriend has created a highly original and appealing musical language in which he combines some of the complexities of Xenakis with his love for the great classical and romantic masters, leading to a lively and highly virtuosic, both tonal and atonal sound world. On this CD, three generations of pianists are represented: the composer himself (at 88), Ralph and two of his students at the Conservatory of Amsterdam, Elizabeth Goh and Apollon Kalamenios. A first review has been published by newspaper NRC, calling the CD a ‘direct hit’, followed by a review in OpusKlassiek, writing that ‘These are performances that exude great authority’.

First review on album ‘Onward’ with piano works by Heather Pinkham in Italian newspaper La Gazzetta del Mezziogiorno

May 12, 2026

The first international press coverage on the recently released album Onward with works by Heather Pinkham has already appeared: Italian newspaper La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno published an extended article by pianist and writer Emanuele Arciuli, praising Pinkham’s artistic voice. Some quotes:

“Top composer quoting The Beatles’

“And when you listen to Heather’s pieces, which, among other things, are splendidly played, you understand why:
Pinkham’s style carries on the legacy of a certain American music: you can hear West Coast echoes of Lou Harrison and Harold Budd (after all, Pinkham is also Californian) […], synthesizing them with an absolutely personal voice that welcomes pop influences […] without ever trivializing them, but rather wrapping the themes in refined, cultured writing”

“Colors, rhythms, harmonies, groove, in this music there is truly a universe destined to make its mark on the current scene, with authority.”

“I wouldn’t be surprised if, on listening to this CD, people decided to listen to it again, and again.”

CD ‘Onward’ with piano works by Heather Pinkham released on Zefir Records

May 3, 2026

A new CD with piano works by American-Dutch composer and pianist Heather Pinkham, Onward, has been released by Zefir Records. The album features a selection of her solo piano works, played by the composer, as well as her compositions for piano duo, for which Ralph van Raat joins her as duo partner. These duo works make up roughly half of the album’s playing time.

Pinkham is a rapidly rising voice in contemporary music, known for her multi‑layered style that blends extended piano techniques, minimalist clarity, and a strong emphasis on melody and rhythm. The CD immediately drew national attention: from the day after its release, tracks were broadcast on NPO Klassiek across several programs on consecutive days.

Within just two days, Onward was selected as the Featured Recording for NPO Klassiek’s late‑night program Passaggio. Throughout the week, tracks from the album were broadcast nightly, each introduced by a short interview with the composer, who resides in the Netherlands. The album was subsequently featured internationally as well, including during the May 2026 “New Releases” broadcast on New York’s WNYC.

Monthly Archives: May 2026

New CD released with Music for Piano Solo by Dutch composer Jan Vriend; first reviews published by NRC and OpusKlassiek

First review on album ‘Onward’ with piano works by Heather Pinkham in Italian newspaper La Gazzetta del Mezziogiorno

CD ‘Onward’ with piano works by Heather Pinkham released on Zefir Records

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