Cello Octet Amsterdam is a Dutch ensemble of eight cellists, founded in 1989 as Conjunto Ibérico and now the only permanent octet of its kind in the world. Performing without a conductor, the group has built a catalogue of over a hundred works - including pieces written for them by Arvo Pärt, Philip Glass and Mauricio Kagel - alongside theatrical productions such as Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Cello Band and Cellokrijgers. The octet regularly collaborates with theatre makers, choreographers and social organisations, placing music firmly in a broader cultural and societal context.
The octet released the album Summa on 7K Records - the first ever recording of Arvo Pärt's music specially rearranged for eight cellos, in collaboration with the composer himself over a period of ten years.
Cello Octet Amsterdam performs on 5 November 2026 at the Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ together with Orchestre Partout.
On 25 April 2026 the ensemble performed at TivoliVredenburg Utrecht.
In November 2025 the octet gave the world premiere of Standards, a new song cycle by David Lang for Cello Octet Amsterdam and soprano Claron McFadden, based on medieval love songs by Guillaume de Machaut.
The concert on 7 December 2025 at TivoliVredenburg Utrecht with Claron McFadden went ahead with an adapted programme ('Cocon') after McFadden was unable to perform due to illness.
