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Inspired by the multicultural environment that Rotterdam has to offer and the bond that was created through years of studying together at Codarts Rotterdam, with main subject teachers Chris Leenders and Ramon Lormans, Kāna Trio was founded in 2020 by Hugo Pereira, João Sequeira (Portugal) and Rens Rutten (The Netherlands). The trio shares the common ambition to develop new perspectives in percussion, by connecting with other music styles and art disciplines, in order to push the boundaries of the chamber music concert. This relatively unusual setting is not yet well known to the general public, the amount of repertoire written for trio percussion is relatively small in contrast to quartet and duo. This prompts the trio to be creative and look for new ways to bridge the gap between the audience and a mix of classical arrangements and contemporary music.
New impulses for you to see, hear and feel
Kāna makes you see the music happening. The way we set up the stage and our close-knit interplay draw you in from the first note. It never fails to make an impact.
Always on the go, we research materials and instruments that might be included in our percussion universe. Even the most elaborate, handpicked collection is only a means to an end: to let you physically travel through sound and rhythm from the comfort of your seat.
Listening to a different soundworld can also reintroduce you to pieces you thought you knew. Bach is never far, but you’ll be surprised how well Schubert, Ravel or Bosmans fit three marimbas.
Inspired by the multicultural environment that Rotterdam has to offer and the bond that was created through years of studying together at Codarts Rotterdam, with main subject teachers Chris Leenders and Ramon Lormans, Kāna Trio was founded in 2020 by Hugo Pereira, João Sequeira (Portugal) and Rens Rutten (The Netherlands). The trio shares the common ambition to develop new perspectives in percussion, by connecting with other music styles and art disciplines, in order to push the boundaries of the chamber music concert. This relatively unusual setting is not yet well known to the general public, the amount of repertoire written for trio percussion is relatively small in contrast to quartet and duo. This prompts the trio to be creative and look for new ways to bridge the gap between the audience and a mix of classical arrangements and contemporary music.
Kāna was formed in 2021, and we started making our mark when we won the Short Film Prize at the International Percussion Competition Luxembourg 2022. The touring experience began the same year, after taking First Prize at the Grachtenfestival Conservatorium Concours. We joined the Nationale Jeugdorkesten Muziekzomer 2023, and premiered Annija Zarina’s ‘At once’ at Wonderfeel festival. The 14-venue tour of ‘Are we Nature?’ earned us the Dutch Classical Talent Award in 2025.
At the core of Kāna are Hugo Pereira, João Sequeira and Rens Rutten. We bring a wide musical background to everything we do, from Senegalese, Latin and Japanese drumming to American styles and European avant-garde. We add our own compositions, arrangements, lighting and sound design to broaden the repertoire and to deepen the way the music reaches you.
