‘We dream of continuing to perform as a duo. And of giving a sold-out concert in Gothenburg Concert Hall one day.’ Alexander Goransson and Rasmus Osbeck together form the WestPerc Duo and are following the Master of Chamber Music in the Classical Music department.

‘We are from Gothenburg in Sweden. We really wanted to follow a Master’s course as a duo, but it was not possible in Sweden. We then discovered the Master of Chamber Music in The Hague, where students can enrol as a duo, or even as a larger ensemble.’ Alexander and Rasmus chose this Master’s programme in order to enhance their skills as a percussion duo. ‘We learn a lot from our percussion teachers, but also from the many other teachers who help us to develop our musical skills.’

‘It feels as though there are no boundaries. The programme is geared to our needs and wishes rather than the other way around.’ Alexander and Rasmus work a lot with other departments. They are currently working with a Composition student, who is writing music for them. ‘The Royal Conservatoire also helps us to take part in activities outside the school, for example by entering competitions. We have just reached the second round of Grachtenfestival competition in Amsterdam.’

Photographer: Marijn Smulders (alumnus KABK). This picture is taken at the construction site of Amare. In the summer of 2021, the Royal Conservatoire will move to this new building, together with the Residentie Orkest, Nederlands Dans Theater and Zuiderstrandtheater.