The Conservatorium van Amsterdam welcomes Ben van Gelder to the jazz saxophone teachting staff. As of September 1st, he will teach saxophone as a principal subject at the Jazz Department.
Edo Righini, Associate Director and Head of Jazz and Pop Music: ‘Ben van Gelder truly is one of the greatest saxophone players of this time and a driving force that forwards and shapes the contemporary jazz scene. Ben possesses not only a unique sound on the alto but a unique style as well and is beholden to no one. I am convinced that Ben's solid jazz skills and originality as a composer and improviser will definitely inspire our students and help them forward their musical journey.’
Ben van Gelder (1988) obtained his bachelor’s diploma and his master’s diploma at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in 2010 and 2012 respectively. Additionally he studied with Lee Konitz at the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. He performs all around the world in various settings and formations. He He played or recorded with many contemporary jazz luminaries including David Binney, Ambrose Akinmusire, Nasheet Waits, Mark Turner, Aaron Parks, John Escreet, Ben Street, Thomas Morgan and Rodney Green. His compositions have been arranged for large ensembles such as the Metropole Orchestra and the Swiss Jazz Orchestra.
Over the past years Ben received various awards and grants such as the Stan Getz/ Clifford Brown Fellowship and the Deloitte Jazz Award, which is considered to be the most prestigious jazz award in the Netherlands. Most recently he was selected as a semifinalist for the Thelonious Monk Competition. His latest release, Among Verticals (2016), was presented in eight different countries. Apart from his quintet project, Ben performs regularly with a trio formation that includes drummer Han Bennink and guitarist Reinier Baas.