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Duo NIHZ is a Dutch-German musical ensemble formed in 2001, consisting of guitarist, vocalist and percussionist Bobby Rootveld and recorder player and vocalist Sanna van Elst. The duo is known for its eclectic repertoire that spans classical, Jewish, and world music, often incorporating theatrical elements into their performances. They are based in Nordhorn, Germany, and maintain artistic and educational activities in the Netherlands and Israel.
Rootveld and Van Elst met at the Enschede Conservatory in the Netherlands and began performing together as Duo NIHZ shortly thereafter. Since their formation, the duo has performed concerts in countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Rootveld and Van Elst performed on several radio and televion shows in Italy, Hungary, The Netherlands, Israel, Argentina, India and Thailand. [1] They are noted for blending multiple genres—including Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic, avant-garde, jazz, pop, and klezmer—and for presenting music within theatrical and educational frameworks. [2]
Duo NIHZ has commissioned and premiered numerous contemporary works by composers such as Nikita Koshkin, Annette Kruisbrink, Fred Rootveld, Gianmartino Maria Durighello, Louis Ignatius Gall, Stefan Grasse, Jim ten Boske, Nutavut Ratanakarn, and Jan Bijkerk. They have also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including storyteller Loek Boer, guitarist Alberto Mesirca, cantor Baruch Chauskin, saxophonist Gergö Pázmándi, rock singer Dilana Smith, writer and poetry slam European champion 2024 Theresa Sperling and Yiddish actor and singer Mendy Cahan.
Bobby Rootveld plays with Savarez strings.
A significant focus of Duo NIHZ's work involves the preservation and performance of Jewish music, particularly compositions originating during the Holocaust. Their programs often include music from concentration camps and ghettos, supplemented by narrative elements, archival materials, and historical context. Their efforts in this field have been recognized by institutions such as Yad Vashem in Jerusalem, where their research and performance materials are archived.
In March 2025 the Duo presented an extensive research on the life and music of the Dutch Jewish composer Robert Emanuel Heilbut, resulting in a book and additional three cd's. [3] [4] [5]
In addition to concert performances, the duo conducts educational workshops in schools, churches, and community centers, with the aim of promoting Holocaust remembrance and combating antisemitism through music. [6] [7] [8]
In 2011, Duo NIHZ established Kulturhaus NIHZ in Nordhorn, Germany. The center functions as a performance venue and educational hub, and hosts events such as the Nordhorn Guitar Festival and the Recorder Festival Nordhorn. It also houses an extensive archive of classical guitar music. Bobby Rootveld is also a composer. His works are published at publishers like Tre Fontane in Münster, Germany. [9]
The duo teaches at the Israel Conservatory of Music in Tel Aviv and offers workshops and masterclasses internationally. [10] [11] [12]
In 2009, Duo NIHZ received a Certificate of Acknowledgment at the International Jewish Music Festival in Amsterdam, recognizing their contributions to Jewish music and cultural preservation.
Bobby Rootveld and Sanna van Elst are married and often involve their family in artistic activities. They split their time between Germany and Israel, maintaining close ties with both communities.
Duo NIHZ has released several CDs and DVDs on the labels Samsong Productions and Ivory Tower Records. The most recent albums were also released on streaming platforms like Spotify . [13] The duo produced documentary films related to Jewish music and Holocaust history. They are also involved in preserving and promoting the musical legacy of composer Louis Ignatius Gall. [14]
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