Impressions by Laura Hermanides of the 3rd Jan Pustjens Focus Day on 28 January 2018 in the Bernard Haitinkzaal of the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.

'Iron Velvet' for percussion sextet was written by Arnold Marinissen in memory of the prominent Dutch percussionist and expert snare drum player Jan Pustjens, who passed away on 7 January 2011.

In this work, the snare drum has a leading role, with its iron impact and power to lead an ensemble, as well as its velvet accompanying abilities. The music ranges from outgoing and unflinching to gentle and introspective – two aspects of percussion, two sides of a personality. 

'Iron Velvet' was commissioned and kindly supported by the Jan Pustjens Foundation. The premiere took place on 28 January 2018 for the occasion of the third Jan Pustjens Focus Day, in the Bernard Haitinkzaal / Conservatorium van Amsterdam, by Sven Hoscheit, Richard Jansen, Ramon Lormans, Herman Rieken, Agostinho Sequeira and Rachel Zhang. 

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