Selected Works

A curated collection of compositions, performances, and creative collaborations spanning film, classical, and interdisciplinary art.

Stories behind the music

Three projects, from Aruban rhythms in the concert hall to music shaped by movement and listening.

Hear Me to See You

Finding connection through sound, movement and touch.

Project: Interactive performance · 2018
Created by: Xavier Geerman & Vicky Angelidou

Aruban composer Xavier Geerman and Greek choreographer Vicky Angelidou brought dance, music and audience participation together to explore how performance changes when sight or hearing is restricted.

During a month of preparation, they practised with blindfolds or ear protectors, researching different ways to perform and to interact with blind and deaf audience members. Listening and physical contact became central questions in the work.

The premiere brought those questions into a shared experience. The original account records responses from Mirjam Damstra-Boon, who is legally blind, and Taktila founder Jofke van Loon, who experienced the performance with both sight and hearing restricted. Their participation added personal perspectives to the creators’ exploration.

Read the premiere account

Still from Hear me to See you — dance and music performance by Vicky Angelidou and Xavier Geerman — Watch on Vimeo (opens a new tab)

Portable Playground

A park becomes a place to listen and perform.

Performance: Tilburg · 20 May 2018
Choreography: Vicky Angelidou
Music performed by: Xavier Geerman · mandolin

In this public-space workshop choreographed by Vicky Angelidou, Xavier Geerman took inspiration from the park around him. The sounds he heard and the movements he saw became material for his mandolin performance.

As Xavier translated those observations into sound, the dancers responded through their bodies. The recording, titled Portable Playground (Move the Public Space), captures this meeting of music, movement and surroundings in Tilburg.

In his Journal reflection, Xavier described the project as an introduction to a different way of drawing inspiration from nature, and a chance to discover the possibilities of performing in public spaces.

Read Xavier’s reflection

Still from Portable Playground (Move the Public Space) — Tilburg, 20 May 2018 — Vicky Angelidou · Music performed by Xavier Geerman
Watch on YouTube (opens a new tab)

Tumbacali

Aruban rhythms meet European classical composition.

Composition: Xavier Geerman · 2015
Ensemble: FC Jongebloed
Recording: Het Cenakel

Written for FC Jongebloed in 2015, Tumbacali brings Aruban rhythms into European classical composition. It connects Xavier Geerman’s musical roots with the compositional practice he was developing at Fontys conservatory in Tilburg.

Xavier’s biography places the piece in the same year he earned his propaedeutic diploma and co-organised his first classical music event. It describes the combination of Aruban rhythm and European composition techniques as a lasting source of inspiration.

The accompanying recording features FC Jongebloed performing Tumbacali at Het Cenakel.

Explore Xavier’s musical background Enter the Classical room