Classic Meets Kroncong. Erwin van Ligten, alias Erwing, en Mike Fentross

‘The CMK Project’ is a rare encounter between two top musicians who push the boundaries of their genres and pay tribute to the rich Indo-Dutch heritage. Their shared Indonesian roots form the starting point, with traditional Kroncong music as their main source of inspiration. Expect a captivating musical journey filled with improvisation, finesse, and unexpected soundscapes — where East and West, old and new, meet in intimate harmony.

Guitarist Erwin van Ligten, also known as Erwing, and lutenist Mike Fentross now take the stage together as a duo for the very first time.

Their first musical encounter took place in 2012 at Amsterdam’s Paradiso, during the Baroque Extravaganza program. What began then as a surprising musical dialogue now evolves into a full collaborative concert.

In this unique performance, they explore how their completely different musical worlds — from baroque to kroncong, from classical to improvisation — can strengthen and merge with each other. Their shared Indo-Dutch background lies at the heart of this program, with the rich tradition of Kroncong music as their guide.

Erwin van Ligten is widely regarded by experts as the best Indo-Dutch guitarist in the Netherlands (Magazine INDAH). His playing is a unique blend of rock, blues, jazz, and classical influences, always infused with the warmth and melancholy of his Indo-Dutch roots. Erwin has worked with renowned artists such as Mathilde Santing, Thé Lau, Julya Lo’ko, Lori Spee, the Alessi Brothers, Bertus Borgers, Barry Hay, Berget Lewis, Frédérique Spigt, Chris Hinze, Astrid Seriese, Micheline Van Hautem, among many others, and has performed on national and international stages. His solo work — both instrumental and vocal — is characterized by great emotional depth and virtuosity. Music magazine Musicmaker described him as “a guitarist who can touch you with a single note.”

Mike Fentross is an internationally renowned lutenist, theorbo player, conductor, and early music specialist, praised for his refined sound, virtuosity, and musical depth. Opus Klassiek described him as “one of the world’s finest theorbo players and a conductor of stature.”

Mike’s repertoire ranges from 17th-century music to world premieres of contemporary compositions. His playing has been described as warm, inventive, and deeply moving.
“Mike Fentross, with the subtlety of his playing, has the power to silence an audience. He makes the theorbo sing.” — NRC Handelsblad

Erwin van Ligten, a.k.a. Erwing- guitar&vocals
Mike Fentross- theorbo and lute