Severade is a composition written for eight acoustic cellos and specially designed, mechanically driven sound instruments created by artist Rob van den Broek. These unique instruments, which together form a sculptural piece, are seen by Van den Broek as an acoustic and historical extension of the cello, offering an exciting glimpse into the future of sound. The title Severade combines the Russian word Sever (meaning 'north,' referencing the North Sea) with Serenade, evoking the idea of love songs that resonate as one gazes across the wild expanse of the North Sea.

In Severade, love is explored in the sense of Orpheus—an intense, captivating force that can both destroy and build, evoke fear and awe. The composition creates a swirling bridge between the emotional folklore of the East and the rational musical traditions of the West. The concert is performed by Maya Fridman and Cello Octet Amsterdam, comprising Alistair Sung, Claire Bleumer, Esther Torrenga, Genevieve Verhage, Rares Mihailescu, René van Munster, Sanne Bijker, and Sanne van der Horst.