Fontys MPA | duo Mendula

Performers

Fontys Music and Performing Arts (MPA): duo Mendula 

• Karlo Žamić (saxophone)
• Benjamin Goldenbeld (piano)

Programme

• Fernande Decruck (1896 – 1954)
  from: Saxophone Sonata in C-sharp major I.
  – Tres Modéré
• Erwin Schulhoff (1894 – 1942)
  – “Hot-sonata” for Saxophone and Piano
• Clara Schumann (1819 – 1896)
  – Romance in a minor WoO 28 for Piano solo
• Eugène Bozza (1905 – 1991)
  – Aria for Saxophone and Piano
  – Improvisation and Caprice for Saxophone solo
• Paul Creston (1906 – 1985)
  – Saxophone Sonata op.19
  I. With Vigor
  II. With Tranquility
  III. With Gaiety

About the performers

Karlo Žamić is a 20-year-old classical saxophonist from Croatia. At the age of 11, he began studying saxophone at the Josip Hatze Music School in Split under the direction of Gordan Tudor and later Erna Čizmić Rebić. During his eight years of training there, Karlo participated in numerous masterclasses throughout Europe and took part in both national and international competitions, winning several first and second prizes. He also had the honor of performing as a soloist with an orchestra in one of the most prestigious concert halls in Croatia. In 2023, he continued his studies at the bachelor level at the Fontys Academy of Arts in Tilburg, under the mentorship of Ties Mellema. Passionate about chamber music, Karlo founded the duo ‘Mendula’ together with pianist Benjamin Goldenbeld. Together they strive to bring the unique saxophone-piano repertoire closer to the public.

Benjamin Goldenbeld started playing classical piano at the age of 15. From the age of 16, he received lessons from Jack Evers, and only a year and a half later he was admitted to the preparatory course of the Tilburg Conservatory. To this day, Benjamin studies under the guidance of Japanese pianist Keiko Shichijo. From the beginning of his professional training, Benjamin showed an interest in neo-romanticism, impressionism and modernism, which blossomed when he started collaborating with alto saxophonist Karlo Žamić in 2023.