Niels Bijl
For Niels, it’s all about musicality and integrity. Whether he’s playing Bach on the baritone, JacobTV on the alto, Baldwyn on the soprano or original pieces written for him on his beloved tenor saxophone, it’s all about bringing the music to life. Niels Bijl is an exceptionally versatile saxophonist. His major projects include CDs with repertoire for tenor saxophone, the Aurelia Saxophone Quartet, The Four Baritones and the Baritone Institute as well as his collaboration with Ronald Moelker and many other varied musicians from accordion to harp to string quartet.

Highlights of his career include his recent series of his AXES Ensemble concerts in the Netherlands, Germany and Australia. Also his tour of New Zealand in 2010 with pianist Diedre Irons (through Chamber Music NZ) and his international Solo Tenor Saxophone recitals with contemporary music written for him interwoven with Telemann Fantasies. Valeri Gergiev requested his participation with Sir Georg Solti’s World Orchestra for Peace (Prokofiev, Romeo and Juliet). The theatre production of Ik ben niet bang with René Groothof received the Silver Krekel Prize for Best Children’s Theatre Production in the Amsterdam Theatre Festival 2012. As part of his integrity he gives back to young musicians, in private sessions, masterclasses, ensemble coaching and regular invitations to conservatoriums from Manchester to Sydney. All these activities have given Niels the opportunity to give concerts and masterclasses almost everywhere in Europe as well as Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Canada and America.