Ben van Gelder

"Absolutely current jazz, sprung free rhythmically and harmonically." –JAZZTIMES

Ben van Gelder (1988) is regarded internationally as an authority on the alto saxophone. Peers and critics alike praise him for his unique sound, lyricism and personal approach to composition. Visual art in particular plays a prominent role in his musical practice, and often serves as a framework for his writing.

Van Gelder moved to New York when he was seventeen and spent a decade performing and studying with some of the most progressive artists in the world including Ambrose Akinmusire and Lee Konitz. He formed a quintet of forward thinking peers (Sam Harris, Craig Weinrib, Rick Rosato and Peter Schlamb) and recorded three albums under his name. The ensemble toured extensively in Europe, Japan and the U.S.

Van Gelder received a much sought after commission from the Jazz Gallery, which resulted in Among Verticals. The record, inspired by a painting of abstractionist Frantisek Kupka, garnered accolades in press publications worldwide. The music was arranged for and performed by several large ensembles, including the Grammy-Award-winning Metropole Orchestra, The Swiss Jazz Orchestra and the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw.

Van Gelder won multiple awards such as the Deloitte Jazz Award, the Gold Award, granted by the National Endowment for Advancement in the Arts and the Princess Christina Concours as a duo with his brother Gideon. Most recently, Ben van Gelder was commissioned by the BIMHUIS and Het Orgelpark.