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Gijs van der Heijden

Contemporary composition for live performance exploring bold contrasts through traditional methods in an attempt to merge the refined and the decadent

Gijs van der Heijden (b. 1982) is a Dutch composer based in Utrecht whose music navigates between formalization and intuitive expression. His compositions explore human shortcomings and abstract emotional extremes through techniques like simultaneous tunings, extreme dynamic contrasts, and tonal elements used as coloristic layers rather than structural foundations. Whether tongue-in-cheek or profound, his works retain an inexorable, inevitable character.

Van der Heijden is not particularly interested in digital tools unless he can break them in interesting ways, preferring acoustic composition. He draws inspiration from contemporary composition, film and game soundtracks, and experimental rock.

Gijs graduated summa cum laude with his Master's in Composition from the Royal Conservatoire The Hague (2023). His works have been performed by ensembles and orchestras including Quatuor Bozzini, Moscow Contemporary Music Ensemble, Internationale Ensemble Modern Akademie, Ensemble Klang, New European Ensemble, Silbersee, Storioni Trio, Residentie Orkest The Hague and North Netherlands Symphony Orchestra.

Accolades

  • Nominee for Tera de Marez Oyens Award 2024, Utrecht (NL)

  • Selected for Composer’s Kitchen 2023 residency with Quatuor Bozzini, Montreal (CA), and Gaudeamus, Utrecht (NL)

  • Nominee for Gaudeamus Award 2013, Utrecht (NL)

  • Selected for International Young Composers Academy 2013, Moscow and Chaykovsky (RU)

  • First Prize for Young Composers Meeting 2012, Apeldoorn (NL)

  • Audience Award for Young Masters XXI 2010 composition contest, ICMF The Hague (NL)

Education

  • Royal Conservatoire The Hague 2021–’23, MMus Composition
    Principal teachers: Mayke Nas and Jan van de Putte.

  • Royal Conservatoire The Hague 2011–’13, MMus Composition
    Principal teachers: Yannis Kyriakides and Diderik Wagenaar.

  • Royal Conservatoire The Hague 2007–’11, BMus Composition
    Principal teachers: Martijn Padding and Gilius van Bergeijk.

  • Utrecht School of the Arts 2001–’07, BMus Music Production & Performance.

  • Occasional private lessons with Jimmie LeBlanc, Richard Ayres, Christopher Butterfield, Joe Cutler, Adam Gorb, Seung-Won Oh, Antoine Beuger, Jean-Luc Hervé, Ed Bennett, Barbara Woof, and Carlos Azevedo.