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Steven Verhelst is a contemporary classical music composer who was born on October 3, 1979, in Brasschaat, Belgium. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a conductor and his mother a pianist. Verhelst started playing the trombone at the age of nine and quickly showed a talent for the instrument. He went on to study at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp, where he received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in trombone performance. During his studies, Verhelst became interested in composition and started taking lessons with Jan Van der Roost. He also attended masterclasses with renowned composers such as Luciano Berio, Magnus Lindberg, and Kaija Saariaho. Verhelst's early compositions were mainly for brass instruments, reflecting his background as a trombonist. However, he soon started exploring other genres and instrumentation, including chamber music, orchestral works, and vocal music. Verhelst's breakthrough as a composer came in 2005 when he won the prestigious Flanders-Quebec Composition Competition with his piece "A Song for Japan." The work, which was written for brass band, was inspired by the devastating earthquake that hit Japan in 2011. Verhelst's use of traditional Japanese melodies and rhythms, combined with his own contemporary style, created a powerful and emotional tribute to the victims of the disaster. Since then, Verhelst has become one of the most sought-after composers in Belgium and beyond. His works have been performed by leading orchestras and ensembles, including the Brussels Philharmonic, the Royal Flemish Philharmonic, and the London Symphony Orchestra. Verhelst's music is characterized by its rich harmonies, intricate textures, and imaginative use of timbre. He often draws inspiration from literature, art, and nature, and his works often have a strong narrative or programmatic element. One of Verhelst's most acclaimed works is "The Nightingale's Toil," a concerto for trombone and orchestra that he composed in 2012. The piece was commissioned by the Brussels Philharmonic and premiered by Jörgen van Rijen, the principal trombonist of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. "The Nightingale's Toil" is a virtuosic and expressive work that showcases the full range of the trombone's capabilities. Verhelst's use of extended techniques, such as multiphonics and glissandi, creates a haunting and otherworldly atmosphere that perfectly captures the piece's title. Another notable work by Verhelst is "The Battle of Jericho," a symphonic poem for orchestra that he composed in 2016. The piece is based on the biblical story of the Israelites' conquest of the city of Jericho and features a dramatic and powerful musical narrative. Verhelst's use of percussion and brass creates a sense of tension and urgency, while the lyrical passages for strings and woodwinds provide moments of reflection and contemplation. Verhelst's output also includes several works for chamber ensembles, such as "The Garden of Love," a song cycle for soprano and piano that he composed in 2014. The piece sets poems by William Blake to music and explores themes of love, nature, and spirituality. Verhelst's use of tonal and modal harmonies, combined with his sensitive and expressive writing for the voice, creates a deeply moving and intimate work. In addition to his work as a composer, Verhelst is also an active performer and conductor.

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