Welcome
Welcome to my website! I am thrilled to share with you the passion that drives me to create music. As a professional cellist, composer, and improviser, I draw inspiration from the world around me and the vast array of musical genres that have shaped my personal artistic journey. From classical to rock, pop to jazz, and everything in between, my music is a reflection of my inner musical world, steeped in the rich history of traditional music from all over the world.
Through my albums Inner Cello and Cello Souls, I invite you to experience the layered beauty of my cello solo pieces. Each piece is carefully crafted to connect with listeners on a deeper level, without the need for prior knowledge or listening experience. It is my belief that music can have a profound impact on our lives, and my compositions reflect my conviction that music can touch the soul in ways that words cannot.
In addition to composing, I am also an improviser. My album First Meeting, recorded in collaboration with pianist Johan Hoogewijs, captures the purest form of improvisation. With no prior rehearsal or agreement on musical parameters, our music is inspired by a single keyword or phrase. My second improvised album, created with live electronics artist Benjamin Van Esser, offers a unique chamber music experience.
Collaboration is also an important part of my musical journey. I have had the pleasure of working with guest artists in my Dialogues series, featuring acclaimed musicians such as Hugh Desmond, Joris Van den Hauwe, and Kim Van den Brempt. And in my album Seven Miracles, I invited artists from a range of genres to co-create new music based on my cello solo compositions.
Through music, I have had the privilege of connecting with people from all over the world. I have traveled extensively, performing in countries such as China, Japan, Bolivia, Abu Dhabi, Brazil, and the United States. Teaching is also a key part of my mission, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my passion with others.
Thank you for visiting my website, and I hope that my music inspires you to connect with the world around you in new and profound ways.
Stijn
(credits photo background: Mies Cosemans)