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Gijs van der Heijden (1982) is a composer based in Utrecht, currently completing his Master’s in Composition at the Royal Conservatoire The Hague. His style is often strongly melodic, rhythmic and dynamic, but can also delve into a timeless, inexorable, meditative violence. His approach involves a commitment to developing a unique and personal sound through traditional methods, avoiding electronics or amplification whenever possible, and frequently employing multiple, different tunings. Gijs is particularly interested in the interaction between instruments and their distinct personalities, and his work often reflects a keen sense of intuitive musical timing. He draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including experimental rock and film and game soundtracks, in addition to the contemporary-classical canon.
Gijs has received acclaim for his work, including a nomination for the Gaudeamus Award in 2013 for Our Primary Differences, selection for the 2010 Young Masters XXI Composition Contest in The Hague for Tees & Treeth, and first prize for ABC’s Trilobite Triacle at the 2012 Young Composers Meeting in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. He has collaborated with several renowned ensembles and orchestras, such as the Residentie Orchestra The Hague, North Netherlands Symphony Orchestra, New European Ensemble, Ensemble Klang, Moscow Contemporary Ensemble, Storioni Trio, and Silbersee.
