Lestari Scholtes

Dutch-Indonesian pianist Lestari Scholtes and Bolivian-Brazilian violinist Eduardo Paredes Crespo form a passionate and expressive duo whose performances are marked by deep musical communication, refinement, and warmth. Their shared artistry reflects a profound dedication to chamber music and a constant search for freedom and sincerity in sound.

As a duo, they have appeared in renowned venues such as the Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ in Amsterdam and Carnegie Weill Recital Hall in New York, and are both laureates of the IBLA Grand Prize International Music Competition.

Lestari Scholtes studied with Jan Wijn at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam after completing her early studies with Ton Demmers at the Brabants Conservatorium. A prizewinner at competitions including the Prinses Christina Concours and the Steinway Piano Competition, she is also the founder and artistic director of the Pianoduo Festival Amsterdam and the chamber music series ‘Vrienden van de Kamermuziek’. In 2024 she released her acclaimed solo debut album featuring works by Chopin on Challenge Records.

Eduardo Paredes Crespo began his musical education in Cochabamba, Bolivia, and continued his studies in the Netherlands with support from the Rotary Club. He studied with, among others, Ofer Falk and Pinchas Zukerman, and received chamber music coaching from members of the Alban Berg, Vermeer, and Fine Arts Quartets. He has performed in major venues including the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Wigmore Hall in London, and Carnegie Weill Recital Hall in New York, and was a finalist of the New York Concert Artists World Debut Audition.

In addition to their work as a duo, Lestari and Eduardo are members of Trio 258, whose 2023 Rachmaninoff album The Return (Challenge Records) received high praise from the international press. They live in Amsterdam with their two sons, Nathaniel and Elijah.