Biography
I started taking clarinet lessons at a young age thanks to an instrument presentation at our primary school. Here I could try out different wind instruments, and the only instrument I could get sound from was the clarinet.
At the end of my music studies with Michèlle Geerlings at the Academy for Music, Theatre and Dance in Maasmechelen, I ended up in the Young Talent Class at the Conservatory of Maastricht. I then went on to study for my Bachelor’s degree with Roeland Hendrikx.
2018 was an important year for me. I was awarded a gold medal at the first Vienna International Music Competition. In the same year, I also won the prize for best soloist at the European Wind Orchestra Championships (ECWO) and was elected ‘Classic Young Master’ by the foundation of the same name. Thanks to Classic Young Masters, I was able to play recitals throughout the Netherlands, took part in their Personal Entrepreneurship Programme (PEP) and started the SoundLake Duo with Elisabeth Rikken, who accompanied me in the final round of this competition.
During my Bachelor’s studies, I was lucky enough to be part of the Orchestra Academy of Philharmonie Zuidnederland. This is how I started freelancing in orchestras in the Netherlands and Belgium. In 2019 I was lucky enough to win the audition for the Jevgeni Onjegin production of the Nationale Reisopera. Thanks to this audition, I got the chance to play the clarinet in the ensemble for the operas: La Traviata and Jevgeni Onjegin. It was also there that I discovered my love for both opera and chamber music.
After having studied in Maastricht for 6 years, I noticed that I needed a breath of fresh air. Therefore, I decided to get some extra inspiration at the Saline Royale Academy with Sharon Kam and the Académie musicale de Villecroze with Pascal Moraguès. In addition, I did my Master’s studies at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague with Olivier Patey.
Since my first experience playing in a symphony orchestra, it has been my dream to get a job in a professional orchestra. Thanks to my research into mental imagery, I noticed a significant change in my playing last year which helped me enormously during the auditions. This year I was lucky enough to be part of the European Union Youth Orchestra, the Gustav Mahler Jugendorchester, and was able to fulfil my dream as I recently won the trial for Principal Bass Clarinet at the BBC Philharmonic.
EDUCATION
Royal Conservatoire of The Hague
The Hague, Netherlands
Conservatorium Maastricht
Maastricht, Netherlands
QUICKFIRE QUESTIONS
What’s your most memorable moment as a musician?
My most memorable moment was when I played for the first time in the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Once the audience started applauding and gave us a standing ovation, tears rolled down my cheeks. I had never experienced the atmosphere in that hall before and the level of enthusiasm of the audience.
Where’s your favourite place to listen to music and why?
I love to listen to all kinds of music while travelling, and especially while driving. On a warm day, I also love to listen to music in my back garden together with my dog, Ochie the golden retriever. Of course, none of this can compensate for a real live concert!