Niels Bijl

Niels’ love for the tenor saxophone began as a 12-year-old under the inspiring tutorship of Willy van Diepen in Haaksbergen. During the early years Niels was mostly active in Big Bands and Blues and Jazz bands (including founder of the blues band Cuban Heels), but later at the Conservatorium in Enschede his knowledge of classical and contemporary music was perfected under the supervision of Arno Bornkamp and Johan van der Linden. Currently Niels works as saxophonist on regular productions with symphony orchestras (including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Anima Eterna, World Orchestra for Peace) but his passion lies in Chamber Music, collaborating with among others: the Aurelia Saxophone Quartet, pianists Hans-Erik Dijkstra, Rob Horsting, harpist Maaike Bosscher and recorder player Ronald Moelker. His most important motivations are a quest for innovation, quality and passion in music. He shares this passion with young saxophonists through giving master classes around the world and, closer to home, his activities at the music school in Hengelo.

Photo: skarstermusic.com