Role

:

Composer Conductor  

Birth

:

May 9, 1980

 

Erik Bosgraaf is a renowned Dutch recorder player and conductor, known for his virtuosic performances and innovative approach to classical music. Born on October 12, 1980, in Zeist, Netherlands, Bosgraaf showed an early interest in music and began playing the recorder at the age of six. He quickly demonstrated a natural talent for the instrument and began studying with renowned recorder player Walter van Hauwe. Bosgraaf continued his musical education at the Amsterdam Conservatory, where he studied with Paul Leenhouts and received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in recorder performance. During his studies, Bosgraaf also had the opportunity to work with other notable musicians, including Frans Brüggen and Ton Koopman. After completing his studies, Bosgraaf quickly established himself as a rising star in the classical music world. He began performing regularly as a soloist and chamber musician, and his innovative approach to the recorder quickly gained him a reputation as one of the most exciting and dynamic performers in the field. One of Bosgraaf's early highlights was his performance at the 2006 Early Music Festival in Utrecht, where he performed a program of works by Johann Sebastian Bach. The performance was widely praised for its technical brilliance and emotional depth, and helped to establish Bosgraaf as a major force in the world of classical music. In the years that followed, Bosgraaf continued to perform and record extensively, collaborating with a wide range of musicians and ensembles. He also began to explore new directions in his music, incorporating elements of jazz, folk, and world music into his performances. One of Bosgraaf's most notable collaborations was with the Dutch ensemble Cordevento, with whom he recorded several critically acclaimed albums. The group's 2010 album, "Vivaldi: Concerti per flauto," was particularly well-received, earning rave reviews for its virtuosic performances and innovative arrangements. Bosgraaf's solo recordings have also been widely praised, with his 2012 album "Forqueray: Complete Works for Harpsichord and Viola da Gamba" earning particular acclaim. The album, which features Bosgraaf performing on the recorder alongside harpsichordist Alessandro Pianu and viola da gamba player Paolo Pandolfo, was praised for its technical brilliance and emotional depth. In addition to his work as a performer, Bosgraaf has also established himself as a respected conductor. He has led several ensembles, including the Netherlands Bach Society and the Amsterdam Corelli Collective, and has been praised for his ability to bring out the best in his musicians. Bosgraaf's many accomplishments have earned him numerous awards and accolades over the years. In 2009, he was awarded the prestigious Dutch Music Prize, the highest honor for a classical musician in the Netherlands. He has also been awarded the ECHO Rising Stars Award, the Prix Olivier Messiaen, and the Edison Classical Music Award, among others. Despite his many achievements, Bosgraaf remains committed to pushing the boundaries of classical music and exploring new directions in his art. He continues to perform and record extensively, and his innovative approach to the recorder has inspired a new generation of musicians and fans around the world.

More....