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

Frolin

(neoclassical, ambient, meditation music)

Frolin’s ‘Improvisations’ is an alluring neoclassical composition ideal for meditation, that will comfort your soul…

“I live in the South-western part of Norway, just outside of the town Haugesund, surrounded by beautiful scenery like the sea, fjords, small islands, forests and mountains. This scenery is an inspiration for my music, and it is my hope that you can feel this when you listen!

I have always been looking for inner peace, to benefit both physical and emotional health and well-being. This inner search has led to my desire to be a part of the solution for others who also desire tranquility through music, meditation and mindfulness.” (Frolin)

Luke Duffy

(neoclassical, cinematic)

A spotless, cinematic composition unleashing sweet “melancholia” by the Irish composer & arranger Luke Duffy will absorb you with its divine melodic content…

“Luke Duffy is an Irish composer and arranger living in Iceland. His music is often melodic in nature with the piano often heavily featured.” (Luke Duffy)

Sacha Hoedemaker

(neoclassical, solo piano)

Divergence: As we grow in life, our imprint on the ever spinning world expands.  With that, comes the abundance of choices and challenges to face. This piece is written to acknowledge that feeling and tell you that you can tackle anything, your way.” This is the “heart & soul” of this rare gem according to its creator….

“My name is Sacha Hoedemaker, and I am a Dutch composer. I have played the piano since I was eight years old; honing my craft bit by bit. I got picked up quite early in my career by successful directors and producers. They offered me to work behind the scenes, which was a tremendous opportunity for me to work on my songwriting-skills.

I started working on numerous projects; I wrote compositions for commercials, shows, and indie-movies. It dawned on me that my work mainly helped other people excel in their career — which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But whenever I wrote a great composition, the producer got the credits. Over time, my job left me unfulfilled; it felt like I was not living up to my true potential — in other words, things had to change.

And luckily for me, change came earlier than I expected. I always say, “You never know how things will turn out. Whatever happens, happens. The important thing is that you followed your gut.” And I did. It still feels a bit unreal to me, but I am so proud to announce my music to you.” (Sacha Hoedemaker)

Introvert

(ambient, neoclassical)

A spine-chilling, ambient, neoclassical composition by Introvert….. Imposing atmosphere, warm soundscapes, and sci-fi flavour are the main elements of this wild beauty!

“collaborative musican, artist producer. creating music solo and with friends. Stretching several genres into one melting pot of passion.” (Introvert)

Mikael Oterhals

(neoclassical, solo piano)

Swedish pianist and composer Mikael Oterhals’ dedicative piece to one of his closest friends, is a warm, solo piano bijou…

“I’m a classical pianist and composer located in Stockholm, Sweden. I’ve studied classical music, jazz music and composition for several years which resulted in composing mostly neoclassical music, but with influence from other styles as well, such as pop music and jazz music.” (Mikael Oterhals)

Daniel Schrage

(neoclassical, solo piano)

Daniel Schrage’s ‘Last Night’s Prayer’ is among his most powerful and emotive solo piano compositions we’ve recently experienced….

“It had been a while since I had a piano in the house. I wrote a ton of music in my teens and twenties, spent a fair amount of time in music licensing for film and television (with some highlights), but I put the music thing on hold for a while and ended up selling my last piano (also my first) for lack of use when I bought and moved back into my old family home, not anticipating that I’d start writing again. Sacrilege, I know, but for what it’s worth, I came to my senses. 
During 2020’s pandemic quarantine, and following the unexpected loss of my brother, I returned to the piano in earnest and embarked on a felt piano album in 2021 that would later be given the name “Being in Time” (July 2021). It all started with the writing of “Just” (a tribute to my soldier of a brother), but the other pieces on the album followed from a similar place, and serve as a kind of expression of my first experience with true loss, the grieving process, and ultimately trying to make sense out of this thing, which ironically feels so utterly unnatural. As is the case with all of my music, each track was recorded in our old family Victorian. Needless to say, it holds a piano once again. It’s placed in the exact location of the upright I had growing up, and gets just as much use. (Daniel Schrage)

Chafa

(neoclassical)

A spotless neoclassical composition by the L.A. based pianist, producer, and composer Chafa, which features piano, violins, cello, and contrabass. But, most importantly “his soul”…

“Chafa is an emerging pianist, producer, and composer based out of Los Angeles. He is currently preparing to launch onto the global music scene with his first two singles ready to drop imminently.” (Chafa)

The Music

Christos Doukakis