Neoclassical Suite, XC

Neoclassical Suite is a column that will present 7 recent, distinctive tracks of the neoclassical-modern classical-contemporary -and beyond!- music field.

Note: All Bio/about sections provided/written by the artists.

The Players

Robert Anton Strobel

(crossover classical)

“Robert Strobel creates soul-satisfying, entertaining classical music without the paralyzing, constraining fears that often grip audiences when they hear the words “new music.” He writes sensitively in practically any medium, working carefully with ensembles and performers to ensure a polished, highly engaging product. He wants to return to the world of emotions. Promoting emotional health is important to his craft, as is contemplating the deep things.

Robert Anton Strobel (b. 1988) has over 20 commissions. Among those he has received through time include the Ladyslipper Ensemble, 2 commissions from the Barlow Endowment (LDS Barlow Commission), a work for some string players of the St. Louis Symphony (Mizzou NM Initiative), [TriO], The Missouri Quintet, and Columbia College, among others. He undertook an artist residency at Brush Creek Foundation for the Arts, and won the Southwest American Prize in the electronic music category. He was also a finalist in the Orient/Occident orchestral competition where his recent orchestral work Life : Aaru was performed by the KLK Symphony Orchestra. He won 3rd place in the Bruno Maderna International Composers Competition. His music has been published by Holy Sheet Music, Aldebaran Editions in Italy, and Forton Music in the UK.” (Robert Anton Strobel)

Vanessa Marcoux

(crossover classical, folk)

“Vanessa Marcoux holds a bachelor’s degree from McGill University (where she obtained the mention “Outstanding Achievement in Violin”) as well as a master’s degree in interpretation from the University of Montreal, in addition to having completed an advanced training course at the prestigious National Superior Conservatory of Lyon. She also completed a second bachelor’s degree in instrumental composition at the Université de Montréal, where she studied with Ana Sokolovic. She has received several grants and awards as a violinist and composer and regularly performs in concert as a soloist and chamber musician, both for the classical repertoire and for contemporary music and mixed music.

As a composer, she has written for a variety of ensembles, ranging from serious music to popular music, film music and children’s works. His works have been performed by various ensembles such as the Orchester Symphonique de Québec, the Orchester Symphonique de Sherbrooke and the duo Fortin-Poirier. She is also interested in musical improvisation and has taken several advanced courses in France, Germany and Canada. Sought after on the Montreal scene for her qualities as an improviser, she has to her credit several recordings for Canadian artists of international renown. She performed for several years with the group Oktopus, which received a Juno nomination as well as the Canadian Folk Music Awards for its second album. Hapax, published in 2017.” (Vanessa Marcoux)

Hanna Kekäläinen

(crossover classical, instrumental)

“Background in classical piano but also teaches contemporary piano, lounge, pop, rock etc. Started piano lessons when 4 years old. Graduated from Vantaan Musiikkiopisto as a teenager – major in classical piano and minor in classical singing. Has been a piano teacher for over 15 years first as a hobby and now as a profession. Started composing in 2018. Biggest musical influences The Piano album by Michael Nyman, Philip Glass, Yann Tiersen, preludes by Bach and soundscapes of Debussy. Also works as an abstract artist. hannakekalainen.com.” (Hanna Kekäläinen)

Kepa Lehtinen

(neoclassical, minimal)

“Kepa Lehtinen is a 51-year-old composer, studio owner, skateboarder, husband, father, and theremin player working in Helsinki, Finland. His career has been mostly in music for film, television, and commercials. He has also created a sizable body of solo releases including the EPs It’s OK to Be Sad and Dark, Playing Theremin, and Face Plant.

Originally a pianist, Lehtinen was drawn to the theremin, a touch-less, electronic instrument of Russian origins, and was surprised how well his recordings with it were received. Since then, he has evolved a signature sound built around piano themes, shifting theremin harmonies, and supportive double bass. He’s one of Europe’s most compelling and original modern composers who only writes the music he feels most deeply.” (Kepa Lehtinen)

Niclas Tamas

(crossover classical)

“Classically trained and passionately devoted, Hungarian composer Niclas Tamas excels in the creative realm.

Backed by years of experience as a pianist, composer and programmer, Niclas’ unique approach delivers a spellbinding arena of vastly contemplative escapism.

Influenced by Chopin and Rachmaninoff as much so as Brian Eno, Vangelis and Kraftwerk, Niclas’ deeply moving Music Landscapes and piano music emerge from a place of curiosity and unwavering skill.

With six Music Landscapes on Spotify and seven more expected and piano pieces premiering in spring 2022, Niclas’ commitment to music has been a constant thread of identity.

Despite difficulties, from crippling stage fright to recovering from a severe stroke, composing has proven a lifeline. As such, the music speaks volumes, connecting for its imaginative qualities as much so as its profoundly human reflections.” (Niclas Tamas)

Diana Yukawa

(neoclassical, cinematic)

“A Revolutionary Violinist and Composer of Electronic Classical Music

In a nutshell; a solo violinist writing and releasing her own original music, a dynamic performer having taken to some of the worlds most prolific stages, one third of Ghost Harmonic and a music composer for film, TV, commercial, video games and special projects. Diana Yukawa has released 5 solo albums with Sony Music, BMG and the violinist’s own indie label, Longbody Music.

The solo violinist released her debut album with BMG RCA at age 14 and she was acknowledged as one of the country’s top 10 artists. Following her second release a year later, Diana decided she wanted to write and perform her own original music – and this passion has captivated her in equal measures to being a solo violinist and performer ever since.“ (Diana Yukawa)

Jan Ove Fjeld

(neoclassical, solo piano)

“I find an energy in this sort of writing that makes me want to think, dream and write. It feels spiritual, honestly -Ear to the ground music- The composer and pianist really put his heart into equilibrium. You hear it with every key he plays. Enjoy the magic. -Music is my life-

Jan Ove Fjeld. b. 30 November 1979. Is a Norwegian composer/pianist/producer Genre, Modern classic, Minimalist, Soundtrack, Neo classical, Relaxing beautiful piano.

He also works close with Stream Of Self a more Rock inspired project by vocalist Peder Martinus.” (Jan Ove Fjeld)