Martin Fondse
Composer and conductor
Martin Fondse (Bergen op Zoom, 1967) studied piano and non-classical music at the University of the Arts in Arnhem. He went on to study composition at the Cologne University of Music and Arts. His principal teacher was the American trombonist, composer and arranger Bob Brookmeyer. His piano teachers included Robert Vermeulen, Rob van den Broeck, and Kenny Werner.
In the nineties, Martin Fondse formed the octet De Achtbaan, later known as the Martin Findse Oktemble. This ensemble includes experienced musicians as well as young talent. He went on to start a small big band, the Groove Troopers. In 2008, he founded the Starvinsky Orkestar, which was later renamed the Martin Fondse Orchestra. His compositions range from classical to jazz, and he performs himself in addition to composing: since 2009, he has performed on the vibrandoneon in solo concerts as well as in ensembles. In 2017, he received the prestigious Boy Edgar Prize.
In November 2021, Martin Fondse was named Componist des Vaderlands for two years, the fourth after Willem Jeths (2014), Mayke Nas (2016), and Calliope Tsoupaki (2018). In 2012, Martin Fondse directed the Hello Cello Orchestra.