DUO BILITIS is named after the imaginary priestess Bilitis from the cycle of poems ..Chansons de Bilitis.. (1894) by Pierre Louys. Claude Debussy wrote to these poems..Musique de scene pour les Chansons de Bilitis.. for recitante, two harps, two flutes and celesta.
Their music is exciting because of the dynamism and richness of sound the two soloists bring to the pieces through their close interplay. The two harpists, one of whom also does vocals, have made a name for themselves with their exciting and refreshing programmes since forming a duo in 2004. The combinations of two harps and harp and voice guarantee great variety. They have a broad repertoire, ranging from existing compositions from every style period, their own arrangements and new compositions written specially for the duo. With the string ensemble Camerata Antonio Lucio and violinist Emmy Verhey they performed the Dutch premieres of the double harp concertos by Maciej Malecki and Jean Francaix.
Duo Bilitis have now produced their first CD, which includes WORKS FOR TWO HARPS by DEBUSSY, RAVEL, FRANCK, FAURE.
BILITIS often performs in CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES and fFESTIVALS at home and abroad such as '..The International Holland Music Session's.. concert series (2004-2006), Concertgebouw in Amsterdam (2005-2008), Muziekgebouw aan t..IJ in Amsterdam (2007-2008) the ..Grachtenfestival in Amsterdam (2006-2008) and The Tenth World Harp Congress.
Duo Bilitis is WINNER of the National CHAMBER MUSIC COMPETITION Almere 2008 and UITMARKT Chamber Music Competition in Amsterdam 2008.
Hello Duo Bilitis. You are realy sounding very beautiful. Duo Svitava gives you the best wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year. Henrik Svitzer
I thank you for the add, and I thank you twice because such a duo it is quiet rare. I discover with great pleasure. See you certainly at the Concertgebouw! de Grote of de Kleine zaal? Succes didier
Many thanks for the invite! Your harp-playing is phenomenal, and your performances are some of the best I've ever heard. I also loved your repertoire, you show excellence in every music genre. I especially enjoyed Maciej Malecki's concertino- truly a wonderful discovery.
