Among the newspaper clippings I recently rediscovered was this article about the very beginning of my duo with pianist Caecilia Boschman. During our studies at the Rotterdam Conservatory, our teachers suggested that we should play together.
A decision that turned out remarkably well. We gave our first concerts in 1992, and this article, published in 1993, captures a moment when we were preparing for international competitions while organising our own concerts. More than thirty years later, we are still performing together and continue to explore the viola and piano repertoire with the same curiosity and enthusiasm.

Introducing Two Young Musicians from Dordrecht

Two musicians from Dordrecht, violist Karin Dolman (25) and pianist Caecilia Boschman (27), will give a concert on Saturday evening, 13 March, at Het Dordtse Hof.

“We would like the people of our hometown to get to know our music,” says Karin. “We organised the concert entirely ourselves, and we’re almost sold out. If we manage to sell the last thirty tickets, we’ll break even, thanks in part to the support of our sponsors.”

Karin and Caecilia were brought together musically by a teacher at the Rotterdam Conservatory. Caecilia has already graduated, while Karin hopes to complete her studies later this year.

To gain experience, they previously gave a number of living-room concerts in Dordrecht. Earlier this month, they also took part in a chamber music competition in Tilburg, together with five other ensembles from Belgium and the Netherlands.

“We’re still waiting for the results, so it’s all rather exciting,” Karin says.

And next week, more precisely, on 18 March, the two musicians will travel to Vierzon, France, where they will compete in an international competition for string players and pianists.

“There will be duos from all over the world,” says Karin, convinced that the competition in Vierzon will be a serious challenge. “But it’s already wonderful just to be part of it.”

At Het Hof, Karin and Caecilia will perform works by Brahms, Glinka and Martinů. Not only are the two young musicians from Dordrecht, but Karin’s viola was also built by Dordrecht violin maker Jan van der Elst.

The concert begins at 8:15 p.m.