Role

:

Composer

 

Jan-Peter De Graaff is a Dutch composer of classical music, born on October 25, 1992, in Amstelveen, Netherlands. He grew up in a musical family, with his father being a pianist and his mother a singer. At the age of six, he started playing the piano and later learned to play the clarinet and saxophone. De Graaff attended the Amsterdam Conservatory, where he studied composition with Richard Ayres and Wim Henderickx. He also studied at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague with Martijn Padding and Guus Janssen. During his studies, he won several awards, including the prestigious Kersjes Prize for young musicians in 2015. De Graaff's music is characterized by its eclectic style, combining elements of classical, jazz, and pop music. His compositions often feature unconventional instrumentation, such as the use of toy instruments and electronics. He is also known for his interest in social and political issues, which he often addresses in his music. One of De Graaff's most notable works is his opera "The Instagram Opera," which premiered in 2018 at the Dutch National Opera. The opera explores the impact of social media on our lives and features a libretto by Jan Veldman. The work was praised for its innovative use of technology, including the integration of Instagram feeds into the performance. Another significant work by De Graaff is his "Concerto for Bass Clarinet and Ensemble," which was commissioned by the Dutch Radio Philharmonic Orchestra and premiered in 2017. The piece showcases De Graaff's interest in unconventional instrumentation, with the bass clarinet taking center stage. The work was praised for its virtuosic solo part and its inventive use of the ensemble. De Graaff has also composed several works for chamber ensembles, including his "String Quartet No. 2," which was commissioned by the Amsterdam Sinfonietta and premiered in 2016. The piece features a complex interplay between the four instruments, with each player taking on a distinct role in the ensemble. In addition to his work as a composer, De Graaff is also active as a conductor and performer. He has conducted several premieres of his own works, as well as works by other composers. He has also performed as a clarinetist with various ensembles, including the Dutch National Youth Orchestra. De Graaff's music has been performed by numerous ensembles and orchestras, including the Dutch Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, the Amsterdam Sinfonietta, and the Asko|Schönberg Ensemble. His works have been featured at festivals such as the Gaudeamus Muziekweek and the Holland Festival. In 2020, De Graaff was awarded the Matthijs Vermeulen Prize, one of the most prestigious awards for contemporary classical music in the Netherlands. The prize recognized his contributions to the field of classical music and his innovative approach to composition. Overall, Jan-Peter De Graaff is a talented and innovative composer whose work reflects his interest in social and political issues. His eclectic style and unconventional instrumentation have earned him critical acclaim and a growing reputation as one of the most exciting young composers working today.

More....