I am a Dutch violist, educator, composer, and artistic leader dedicated to expanding the role of the viola through performance, education, creativity, and international collaboration.
I studied violin with Václav Novak and viola with Henk Guittart and Ron Ephrat at the Rotterdam Conservatory (1985–1992). Important artistic inspiration came through masterclasses with Bruno Giuranna, Wolfram Christ, Rainer Kussmaul, and intensive studies with Kim Kashkashian.
During my studies I met pianist Caecilia Boschman, with whom I formed a duo partnership that has continued for nearly 40 years. Together we received prizes at several international competitions, including the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition, the Baden-Baden Festival, and the Vierzon Duo Competition. Today we continue our musical journey by exploring and recording repertoire from the 20th and 21st centuries, with a special passion for rediscovering forgotten works and creating new arrangements.
Contemporary music has always been an essential part of my artistic identity. For 27 years I was a member of the Rotterdam DoelenQuartet, developing an extensive international career dedicated to new music, adventurous programming, and close collaborations with composers.
Since September 2011 I have been Professor of Viola at Codarts University of the Arts in Rotterdam. In my teaching I see myself not only as a teacher, but also as a coach: helping young musicians discover their own voice, develop curiosity, and build a personal artistic identity.
A central theme throughout my career has been creating connections! Between musicians, generations, cultures, and audiences. In 2012 I co-founded the Dutch Viola Society and in 2018 I organized the 45th International Viola Congress in Rotterdam. From 2020 to 2025 I served as Vice-President of the International Viola Society (IVS), and since January 1st 2026 I have the honour of serving as President of the IVS.
At the 50th International Viola Congress in Paris in January 2026, I received the Silver Alto Clef Award, one of the highest recognitions within the international viola community. The award recognized my artistic work, my commitment to expanding the viola repertoire, my creative approach to performance and education, and my dedication to bringing violists from around the world together.
As a composer and arranger I focus especially on expanding the possibilities of the viola. My works include Suite for Solo Viola (published by Viola Viva, 2022), Four Seasons for clarinet and viola, and Three Golden Hairs, a solo viola suite inspired by the Brothers Grimm fairy tale (Viola Viva, 2024). My largest creative project so far, the music theatre production Raiders of the Lost Tone, brings together storytelling, viola history, students, professionals, and the worldwide viola community.
I perform on a viola made by Dutch violin maker Jan van der Elst — an instrument that has accompanied me throughout my musical journey.