James Oesi & Djuwa Mroivili

Double bassist James Oesi and pianist Djuwa Mroivili collaborate for the first time in a special program featuring both well-known and unjustly overlooked works. They focus on music from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with pieces by Dvořák, Brahms, and Gershwin, alongside music by composers of color such as Coleridge-Taylor, Price, Still, and Dett—artists who are increasingly receiving the recognition they deserve. 

The program also includes traditional African American music from that era—music that had a major influence on composers like Dvořák and Gershwin. Together, Oesi and Mroivili offer a fresh perspective on the classical canon, revealing the rich and diverse history behind it. 
 
James Oesi 
Since arriving in the Netherlands in 2009, double bassist James Oesi has become a singular voice in classical and contemporary music. He has performed at leading venues such as the Concertgebouw and festivals like November Music and Wonderfeel. As founder of the Dutch Double Bass Festival, he champions the solo potential of the double bass. His debut album Adoration (2024) features works by Black composers from the 19th and 20th centuries. He also teaches as a guest professor at Utrecht Conservatory. 

Djuwa Mroivili 
Mroivili  is a versatile Comorian-Dutch pianist, educator, and activist. At fourteen, she became fascinated by classical music after playing a piece by Franz Schubert. She studied piano at the ArtEZ Conservatory in Zwolle, graduating in 2020. Mroivili is known for her socially critical performances that blend classical music with other art forms. She advocates for inclusivity in the arts and explores the role of Black composers in classical music. In 2024, she released the album Adoration with double bassist James Oesi, featuring works by Black composers.