Indonesian cellist Nico has built a career around exploring the outer edges of the cello repertoire, with a strong focus on rarely performed and contemporary works. His performances often feature new discoveries and unconventional programming, shaped by an ongoing interest in expanding the instrument’s voice. In his performances, he brings audiences into the heart of the music through thoughtful interpretation and a deep engagement with sound. 

​

Recent solo highlights include concertos by Nikolai Kapustin and Vaja Azarashvili with the STeP Ensemble (2025), as well as the rediscovery and performance of cello sonatas by Fanio Chapiro in collaboration with pianist Felita Tanaya. Nico has appeared as a soloist with orchestras such as the Brabant Sinfonia, Jakarta Conservatory Chamber Orchestra, and Kamerorkest Midden-Holland, working with conductors including Iswargia Sudarno, Sjoerd Haver, and Joost Smeets.

​

As a chamber musician, Nico is a  member of the Rosin Octet, one of his most active collaborations. The group has performed across Europe, in the Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Estonia, Germany, Switzerland, and Poland. Together, they gave the European premiere of Harry Sdraulig’s octet and the world premiere of Enrico Ferri’s Tales of Asimov in 2023.

​

Outside of the octet, Nico regularly performs chamber music with pianists Felita Tanaya Wenshan Ji in the Netherlands, and with Harimada Kusuma in Indonesia. In 2024, he was featured in Aula Sinfonia Jakarta’s Chamber Music Series, performing a clarinet trio recital alongside Myra Pranajaya and Sean Alexander.

​

Nico is also deeply committed to advancing classical music education in Indonesia. When based there, he teaches and performs actively, often giving recitals with Harimada Kusuma in cities across the country. He has collaborated with institutions such as the Bandung Philharmonic, Jakarta Conservatory of Music, and others, helping to nurture the next generation of Indonesian musicians.

​

He completed his Master’s degree at Fontys Academy of the Arts in the Netherlands with distinction for his final performance, having previously earned his Bachelor’s degree there in 2023, also with distinction, under Monique Heidema. Nico is currently continuing his studies with Jan-Ype Nota and Joachim Eijlander, and is also exploring Argentinian tango music with violinist Stephen Meyer.

Born in Jakarta in 2001, Nico began his musical journey as a pianist at the age of seven, studying with Amin Tamin, Ingrid M Cahya, Adelaide Simbolon, and Alfred M Sugiri. He was a finalist in competitions such as the Ananda Sukarlan Piano Competition and the Steinway Piano Competition, before taking up the cello at age 14. His cello studies began with Sulistyo Rini, followed by the late Haryo Suyoto and Bryant Gozali.

​

Outside the classical stage, Nico leads a vibrant musical life. He is a member of the Tilburg-based Nirvana tribute band, Smells Like Nirvana, and regularly performs across Europe. He also works as a page-turner at venues such as Muziekgebouw Eindhoven, where he has assisted pianists including Maria João Pires, Evgeny Kissin, Ronald Brautigam, Kristian Bezuidenhout, and Nikolai Lugansky.

​

Nico performs on a 2018 cello made by Savine Delaporte, generously loaned by Fontys Academy of the Arts. 

​