The Netherlands’ very first permanent string octet began to capture audiences in 2016 after its founders, violist Francien Schatborn and former leader Ronald Hoogeveen, invited six of their string-playing friends from the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra to join them.
Since its recent inception, Roctet (short for Radio String Octet) has given many exciting concerts in numerous series and live performances on Dutch Radio 4. A string octet is a rather rare combination of instruments – usually the product of two existing quartets or eight soloists who have come together to form an ad hoc ensemble.
Inspired by the ethos of the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Roctet’s aim is both to perform existing repertoire and to seek out adventurous collaborations with leading composers of our time.
Members of Roctet: Joris van Rijn & Dimiter Tchernookov | violin Julija Hartig & Masha Iakovleva violin | Francien Schatborn & Frank Brakkee viola Eveline Kraayenhof & Anneke Janssen cello
