Louis Andriessen b. 1939

Louis Andriessen is one of Europe's most eminent and influential composers * Music combines propulsive energy, economy of material and distinctive sonorities, often dominated by pungent wind and brass, pianos and electric guitars * Works show influence of Stravinsky * Has explored, in relation to music, the subjects of politics, time, velocity, matter and mortality in five works for large ensemble: De Staat (1976), De Tijd (1981), De Snelheid (1983), De Materie (1985-88), and Trilogy of The Last Day (1996-97) * A central figure in Dutch contemporary arts scene * Series of recordings on the Nonesuch label

Works by Louis Andriessen include:
Hoketus (1977) for 2 groups of five instruments
De Stijl (1985) for 4 women's voices, female speaker and large ensemble
Writing to Vermeer (1997-98) Opera in six scenes, in collaboration with Peter Greenaway

Looking ahead: Further performances of Vermeer Pictures, the suite from Andriessen's opera arranged by Clark Rundell; new opera Commedia commissioned by Netherlands Opera, for premiere at the 2008 Holland Festival.

"Andriessen achieves a kind of honest rugged sonic splendour that communicates an unimpeachable creative honesty ..." — CD Review