about me
"I move between classical music, world music and improvisation to create sensitive, narrative and imaginative experiences".
Music to connect
I am Firiël, a flutist, maker and flute teacher.
I love experimenting and exploring everything that moves beyond conventional paths.
I grew up surrounded by music and, from an early age, discovered that playing was not only about performing: it was about sharing, listening and connecting with others.
My summers in Ireland, playing traditional music with musicians from all over the world, deeply shaped the way I understand music.
Today, my artistic practice moves freely between classical music, world music, jazz and improvisation.
“For me, music is about connections, imagination and bringing different worlds together.”
Childhood and
first steps
I began playing the flute at the age of five. From the age of seven, I travelled to Ireland every summer with my mother to attend the Irish Music Summer School, an experience that shaped my understanding of music as encounter and connection.
Education
I did the prepatory course of Classical Music and Jazz & Pop at ArtEZ Arnhem, completed my Bachelor’s degree in Zwolle and graduated with Cum Laude from the Prins Claus Conservatorium. I also attended masterclasses with Emily Beynon, Sebastian Jacot, Gareth McLearnon, Anna Garzuly and Denis Bouriakov. And I followed seminars in modal music at Labyrint
Influences
My musical identity has been shaped by classical music and the traditions I grew up with: Irish music, klezmer, Arabic music, Latin music and tango. World music and improvisation continue to inspire the way I create.
Today
Today, I combine performing, creating, and teaching. I perform with various ensembles, develop my own artistic projects, teach flute at several music schools, and introduce primary school pupils to musical instruments through my work at Tumult in Groningen.
maker
I am interested in creating projects where music meets other artistic languages and new ways of connecting with audiences. Through colour, movement, words and encounters between cultures, I develop sensitive and shared experiences.
A stage project where music meets colour, movement and words.
Together with my duo, I am developing a music theatre project inspired by iridescent colours. Through music, dance, spoken word and installations, we explore a visual and sensory world where different artistic disciplines enter into dialogue.
Music Theatre on Iridescent Colours
A festival connecting cultures through music and art.
A project dedicated to world music and encounters between cultures. Through music, dance, storytelling, art and food, the festival aims to create a shared space for discovery, connection and celebration.
Earthmusic Festival
Duo Firiël & Ilse
Flute and accordion between classical music, world music and improvisation.
Together with accordionist Ilse, I form a duo that began during our studies at the ArtEZ Conservatory in Zwolle in 2019. Our repertoire moves from own compositions, to Bach and Piazzolla to traditional music from Spain, Argentina and the Balkans, while our shared artistic practice also extends into music theatre projects.
We have performed at festivals including Klaterklanken, Classic vs Pop, Gezeiten Festival, Theater op ’t Zand and Vondelpark Zomerfestival, and regularly collaborate with Stichting Stroopwafelconcerten.
Duo Sterre
Colourful conversations.
Together with Sterre Hond, I form a duo born from a very special shared experience: we both have synaesthesia and perceive music in colours. We met during my Master’s studies at the Prins Claus Conservatorium in Groningen, where spontaneous improvisations grew into an inspiring artistic collaboration.
Our music moves between classical music, Eastern folk music and improvisation, inviting audiences into a narrative, meditative and colourful world.
We have performed at the Zomeravondconcerten on Texel and at the Martinikerk in Groningen, and also presented the New Year’s concert for the municipality of Groningen.
Other projects
Nederlands Studenten Orkest · Suol Philharmonic · Paradiso, a collaboration between Phion,
Theater Oostpool and Introdans
Through my duos, I explore music as a space for dialogue, listening and imagination. Each ensemble grows from a different artistic connection, while both share the freedom to move between classical music, world music and improvisation.