Enjoy an evening of craftsmanship, passion, and the pure essence of jazz at Theater Mascini with this compelling new duo: Joan Fort & Rob van Bavel. When Spanish guitarist Joan Fort Nieto and pianist Rob van Bavel take the stage together, decades of experience meet the fresh energy of a new generation. Their duo brings a form of jazz deeply rooted in tradition, yet continually surprising through a personal and contemporary approach—a true meeting of generations within a boundless musical language.

Rob van Bavel: Established Master. As one of the Netherlands’ most respected jazz pianists, Rob van Bavel has built an impressive and enduring career. He is the recipient of the prestigious Wessel Ilcken Prize and earned second place at the international Thelonious Monk Jazz Piano Competition. With more than a hundred recordings to his name and many years as a principal subject teacher at leading conservatories, Van Bavel is widely regarded as an authority in improvisation and musical craftsmanship.

Joan Fort: Rising Star. Joan Fort stands among the most promising voices in today’s European jazz scene. Based in Amsterdam, the guitarist and composer is known for his lyrical playing and remarkable technique, shaped by his studies at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and Temple University in Philadelphia. Through his work with his group The Dam Jawn and collaborations with renowned artists such as Dick Oatts, he has gained international recognition, including a nomination for the Edison Jazz Award. In March 2026, he released his acclaimed album Hangin’ In, recorded in New York.