Martijn VoorveltNL

“Extreme emotions”, “well-balanced”, “beautiful”, “compelling”, “whacky”, “very musical”, “as much theatrical as musical”, “interesting, less conventional timbral palette”, “uncompromising radicalism”: these are all quotes from reviews that suggest how Martijn Voorvelt’s music is perceived.

Voorvelt (Amsterdam, 1967) has a Ph.D. in musicology; composing was only a hobby until his Raging, building unexpectedly won the EOE Optiebeurs prize 1994 for young European composers. He happily decided to focus on composition. Since then his works have been performed in many countries around the world.

Voorvelt regards a musical performance as a theatrical act, both dramatic and absurd. Visual elements and surprising events are often found in his music. A quest for uninhibited expression has led him to experiment with independent parts and overlapping compositions. But there are seductive melodies and harmonies as well. Above all, the music is about the moment and the intensity of the performance.

Voorvelt is also a singer-songwriter and a keen birdwatcher.

For more information about Martijn Voorvelt, click here.