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Composer  

 

Jan Roelof Wolthuis was a Dutch composer and conductor who was born on December 22, 1949, in Groningen, Netherlands. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a conductor and his mother a pianist. Wolthuis started playing the piano at a young age and later learned to play the violin and the trumpet. Wolthuis studied music at the Conservatory of Amsterdam, where he received his degree in trumpet performance. He also studied composition with Ton de Leeuw and later with Louis Andriessen. During his studies, Wolthuis became interested in contemporary music and started experimenting with different styles and techniques. In 1975, Wolthuis became the conductor of the Amsterdam Wind Orchestra, a position he held for over 20 years. He also conducted other orchestras, including the Dutch Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Netherlands Wind Ensemble. As a conductor, Wolthuis was known for his innovative programming and his ability to bring out the best in his musicians. Wolthuis's compositions are characterized by their rhythmic complexity and their use of unconventional instruments and techniques. He often incorporated elements of jazz and rock music into his works, creating a unique and eclectic style. Some of his most notable works include "Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra," "Concerto for Saxophone and Orchestra," and "Concerto for Bass Clarinet and Orchestra." Wolthuis was also a prolific composer of music for wind ensembles, and his works for this genre are considered some of his best. His "Symphony for Wind Orchestra" is a particularly notable work, and it has been performed by ensembles around the world. In addition to his work as a composer and conductor, Wolthuis was also a respected music educator. He taught at the Conservatory of Amsterdam and was a guest lecturer at universities and music schools around the world. Wolthuis's contributions to the world of classical music were recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1995, he was awarded the Dutch Music Prize, the highest honor for a musician in the Netherlands. He was also a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. Sadly, Wolthuis passed away on December 29, 2018, at the age of 69. However, his legacy lives on through his music, which continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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