Sylvia Maessen is composer, arranger and double bass player.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo18KQjiFg5evSMDbRfyHzy8cZserGY5P

As a versatile composer and arranger, Sylvia likes to take on new challenges. Creative cooperation with musicians is of the utmost importance to her. Her works are characterized by a unique style with elements of improvisation, unexpected turns, joy and craftsmanship.

Musicology in Amsterdam (University)
Oboe Performance (Hilversum Conservatory) - Victor Swillens
Composition and Arrangement - Lex Jasper, Kenny Napper, Frans Elsen and Jurre Haanstra
Double bass - Edward Mebius (classical), Koos Serierse (jazz)
Teacher Jazz theory at the Schumann Academy (2 years)
Music-coach young composers Nederlands Blazers Ensemble

Sylvia wrote compositions for the Amstel Quartet, Leo Smit-ensembles, Sinfonia Rotterdam, Groot Omroepkoor, Frank Groothof, Jagthuis festival, Wolfgang Guggenberger trumpet), Eric Vloeimans (trumpet), Marcel Worms (piano), Marja Bon (piano), Hugo Bakker (harpsichord), Gijsbert Kok (carillon), Jacobien Rozemond (violin), Gauguin Ensemble, Pelgrim Trio, Barton Workshop, Conny Janssen Danst, Marinierskapel, Sercan Halili (kemençe) and many others.

Recently Sylvia wrote for The International Vocalist Competition (Den Bosch) and the Rosa Spier Harp Competition the compulsory composition.

She got four stars from Frits van der Waa in the Volkskrant for her CD "Inspired by poetry" (2014) chamber music with voice, performed by her sister Irene Maessen and many friend musicians.

Composition-prizes:
2016: Donna in Musica - Padua Italy - I Solisti Veneti with Claudio Scimone (string-orchestra)
2010: first prize in the RBO Sinfonia prize for composition (the Dutch historical oratorio "Nova Zembla" (lyrics: Wendela de Vos).
2006: third prize in the national VSB-poetry competition. (voice and instrumental ensemble)

Theo Loevendie: “De verrassing bij muzikale kennismaking is groot!! Juweeltjes zijn het, die korte stukken van haar”.

Siebe Riedstra (Opus klassiek): “Sylvia Maessen is een duizendpoot die niet alleen componeert, maar ook de contrabas bespeelt in diverse genres: klassiek, jazz en ‘wereldmuziek'. Dat hoor je terug in haar componeren, waarin de grenzen tussen die genres vakkundig worden neergehaald.”

Leo Samama: “Haar noten hebben de schijn van nuchterheid, haar instrumentaties zijn helder en duidelijk als pentekeningen. Toch huist daarachter een lyrische geest die de teksten die zij voor haar liederen kiest dicht op de huid zit.”