Holland Baroque

With tireless curiosity, Holland Baroque enriches the musical canon. The orchestra approaches the score as an unfinished work of art: with knowledge, skill, imagination, and playfulness, Baroque becomes a new experience. In doing so, Holland Baroque has found its own distinctive sound.

Judith and Tineke Steenbrink, the artistic leaders and beating heart of the ensemble, compose and arrange for the orchestra and its musical guests. This has led to unique projects such as Gospel Baroque with the London Community Gospel Choir, Love is Crazy with punk diva Sven Ratzke, and Silk Baroque with sheng player Wu Wei. Extensive research not only uncovered a treasure trove of repertoire but also brought recognition to forgotten 17th-century composers such as Benedictus a Sancto Josepho. The orchestra gained wide public recognition through projects with trumpet whisperer Eric Vloeimans and singer-songwriter Daniël Lohues. Their collaboration with Reinbert de Leeuw left a deep impression.

The orchestra is committed to young talent and the future of music: through its school concerts, it stimulates creativity in children. Through its own Samama Fellowship, young professionals gain hands-on experience for an entire season. Various awards and nominations, such as the Edison, the VSCD Prize, and the REMA Education Award, have recognized the orchestra for its quality, dedication, and innovative approach:

• VSCD Classical Music Prize 2007–2008

• Edison Classical Award 2017 for the album Carroussel with Eric Vloeimans

• REMA Award ‘Education Project of the Year’ 2022 for the Jong Barok project in Paramaribo

• REMA Award ‘Best Support Programme for Young Artists’ 2024 for the Samama Fellowship

• Edison Classical Audience Award 2024 for the album Missa Sancti Georgii by Herman Finkers with Cappella Amsterdam and Wishful Singing

• Nomination for ‘De Ovatie’, the VSCD Classical Music Prize 2024, for the Carnival Baroque project with soprano Jeanine De Bique

Holland Baroque also organizes socially engaged projects, driven by the belief that music should be accessible to everyone. Since 2024, the ensemble has partnered with various organizations in the social sector, opening its rehearsals and concerts to audiences facing social challenges. Concert venues including TivoliVredenburg, SPOT Groningen, and Schouwburg Cuijk support this mission by providing complimentary tickets. Holland Baroque remains devoted to connecting music with society.