Oene Van Geel is a Dutch violist, composer, and improviser who has made a name for himself in the world of classical music. Born in 1973 in Heerenveen, a small town in the northern part of the Netherlands, Van Geel grew up in a musical family. His father was a music teacher, and his mother played the piano. Van Geel started playing the violin at the age of six, but soon switched to the viola, which he found more interesting. Van Geel studied at the Rotterdam Conservatory, where he received his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in classical music. During his studies, he became interested in improvisation and started experimenting with different styles of music, including jazz, rock, and world music. He also began composing his own music, which he performed with various ensembles. After graduating from the conservatory, Van Geel became a member of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, where he played the viola for several years. However, he soon realized that he wanted to pursue a career as a soloist and composer, and left the orchestra to focus on his own projects. One of Van Geel's most notable achievements is his collaboration with the Dutch jazz pianist and composer Michiel Braam. Together, they formed the BraamVanGeelWig band, which combines elements of jazz, classical music, and improvisation. The band has released several albums and has performed at festivals and venues throughout Europe. Van Geel has also worked with other musicians and ensembles, including the Nederlands Blazers Ensemble, the Calefax Reed Quintet, and the Amsterdam Sinfonietta. He has performed at major concert halls and festivals around the world, including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Berlin Philharmonic, and the North Sea Jazz Festival. In addition to his work as a performer, Van Geel is also a respected composer. He has written music for various ensembles, including string quartets, wind ensembles, and orchestras. His compositions often incorporate elements of improvisation and world music, and have been performed by ensembles around the world. Van Geel has received several awards and honors for his work, including the Dutch Jazz Competition in 2005 and the VPRO/Boy Edgar Prize in 2013, which is the most prestigious award for jazz and improvised music in the Netherlands. He has also been a guest lecturer at various music schools and universities, including the Royal Conservatory in The Hague and the Sibelius Academy in Helsinki. Despite his success, Van Geel remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to explore new styles of music and collaborate with other musicians, always striving to push the boundaries of classical music and improvisation.

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