Esther van Fenema, psychiatrist and researcher at the Leiden University Medical Center, will give a lecture at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam titled:

The Science of Performance: Exploring the Brain and the Body

Thursday, November 22
19.00 Bernard Haitinkzaal

This lecture addresses the psychological factors that have a bearing on musical performance, the natural reactions of the body to performance-related pressure, and possible ways for performers to build a defense to the mental stress that may arise under such pressure.

Attendance is free.
Information: Michiel Schuijer 020-5277531

Esther van Fenema studied at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam with Jeannelotte Hertzberger and obtained her master's degree at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels in 1998, where her teacher was Kati Sebestyen. In addition, she obtained a degree in chamber music with Viviane Spanoghe.
She combined her conservatory studies with studying medicine. Since 2008 she is working as a psychiatrist at the Leiden University Medical Center, where she founded the ‘Muziekpoli’, a special clinic that focuses on professional musicians with mental health problems.
Musically her experience ranges from classical music to pop. She participated in a variety of CD and DVD recordings, ranging from the Belgian chamber music ensemble The Sebestyen Strings to the pop group Praga Kahn. She was producer of CD recordings by violinist David Nunez.
Currently, Esther is a member of the British Chamber group The Young London Opera and The Englefield players.