Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

Netherlands

Birth

:

November 13, 1954 in Naarden, The Netherlands

Genre

:

Keyboard

 

Ernst Reijseger is a Dutch cellist, composer, and improviser who has made a significant impact on the world of classical music. Born on November 13, 1954, in Naarden, Netherlands, Reijseger began playing the cello at the age of eight. He studied at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam and later at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. Reijseger's early career was marked by his work with the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, where he played under the direction of Ton Koopman. He also performed with the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra and the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. However, Reijseger's true passion lay in exploring the boundaries of classical music and experimenting with new forms of expression. In the 1980s, Reijseger began collaborating with musicians from other genres, including jazz, world music, and avant-garde. He formed the group Boi Akih with vocalist Monica Akihary and guitarist Niels Brouwer, which blended traditional Indonesian music with jazz and improvisation. He also worked with saxophonist Michael Moore and drummer Han Bennink in the Clusone Trio, which combined jazz, classical, and folk music. Reijseger's unique approach to the cello, which involved using extended techniques and unconventional playing methods, earned him critical acclaim. He was praised for his ability to create a wide range of sounds, from delicate whispers to thunderous roars. His improvisational skills were also highly regarded, and he was known for his ability to create spontaneous compositions on stage. In the 1990s, Reijseger began composing his own music, which drew on his diverse influences and reflected his interest in exploring new forms of expression. He released his first solo album, Colla Parte, in 1994, which featured his own compositions for cello and voice. He also composed music for film and theater, including the score for Werner Herzog's documentary film The White Diamond. Reijseger's career continued to flourish in the 2000s, as he continued to push the boundaries of classical music and collaborate with musicians from other genres. He formed the trio Reijseger Fraanje Sylla with pianist Harmen Fraanje and Senegalese vocalist Mola Sylla, which blended jazz, classical, and African music. He also worked with the Dutch jazz orchestra ICP Orchestra and the German jazz pianist Joachim Kühn. Reijseger's innovative approach to music earned him numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. He was awarded the Dutch Edison Award for Best Jazz Album in 2006 for his album Requiem for a Dying Planet, which featured his compositions for cello and voice. He was also awarded the Boy Edgar Prize, the most prestigious jazz award in the Netherlands, in 2011. Reijseger's performances have taken him all over the world, from major concert halls to small clubs and festivals. He has performed at the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Berlin Jazz Festival, and the Montreux Jazz Festival, among others. He has also collaborated with a wide range of musicians, including jazz pianist Uri Caine, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and singer-songwriter Sting. In addition to his work as a musician, Reijseger is also a passionate advocate for social justice and environmental issues. He has used his music to raise awareness about issues such as climate change and the refugee crisis. He has also worked with organizations such as Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders to support their humanitarian efforts.

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