Music at Dumbarton Oaks: Sandbox Percussion, Matthew Aucoin, & Conor Hanick

Canto Ostinato, by Dutch composer Simeon ten Holt, is considered the most popular Dutch work in minimal music. It consists of several short musical cells that are repeated; how often this is done is decided by the performers themselves. The music conjures up a vast landscape in which one can wander for hours. Ten Holt has left open the number of musicians who can perform the work—although it is usually played on two or four pianos, it can be performed on other instruments. This evening, Canto Ostinato is performed with four percussionists—Sandbox Percussion, an audience favorite at Dumbarton Oaks and two pianists—Matthew Aucoin (2015–16 Early-Career Musician Resident) and Conor Hanick.