The Dwarfplanets symphony
The first version of *The Dwarf Planets* was composed for piano in 2009. The unique character pieces were named after the (candidate) dwarf planets known at the time, whose cultural mythologies resonated with the music. They have been performed frequently by various pianists.
After Dutch poet Gerard Beentjes heard *De Dwergplaneten* at the “Meet Me at the Lighthouse” literary festival in 2022, he asked for permission to write poems based on these diverse character pieces. This resulted in an even stronger connection between music, astronomy, and mythology. In 2024, artist Vera Bruggeman, who had previously collaborated with Gerard, was also inspired and created eight vibrant paintings with mythological themes.
This collaborative performance, featuring professional pianist Gerrie Meijers, provided a magnificent stage. Flutist Janneke Groesz added a new dimension to the symphony by accompanying the latest edition for piano and piccolo/flute, which had been arranged especially for this occasion. The music has been described as “neoclassical, yet accessible.”
