Astrid Kruisselbrink facts for kids

Astrid Kruisselbrink, born on February 9, 1972, is a talented composer from the Netherlands. She creates music for many different groups, like orchestras, choirs, and even for plays.

While she was studying music at the Rotterdam Conservatory from 1993 to 1999, she won a big award. She took first place at the European Young Women Composers Contest for her choir song called Zijn lippen zijn uw lippen (which means "His Lips are Your Lips").

In 1998, another one of her pieces, Spin, was chosen for a special event. This event, called the Gaudeamus Music Week, showcases music by young artists from around the world. Just before she finished her studies, her orchestral piece In was picked for the Project Jonge Componisten (Project Young Composers). The Balletorchestra performed it, led by Richard Dufallo.

Astrid has also had the chance to learn from famous composers. She briefly studied with Luciano Berio, Betsy Jolas, Louis Andriessen, and György Kurtag.

About Astrid Kruisselbrink

Early Life and Education

Astrid Kruisselbrink was born in a Dutch town called Velsen. She started learning to play the piano when she was nine years old. She learned both classical music and jazz.

In 1993, she began her studies at the Rotterdam Conservatory, also known as Codarts. There, she focused on composition, which is the art of creating music. Her teachers included Klaas de Vries, Peter-Jan Wagemans, and René Uijlenhoet. She finished her studies with honors in 1999.

Her Musical Works

Astrid has written many interesting pieces of music. Her String quartet from 2000 was recorded and performed by the Doelenkwartet. In 2003, her piece Pra for orchestra and soprano was performed by Monique Krüs and Het Gelders Orkest.

Another work, Strijklicht (2007), was for a string orchestra. The Het Rotterdams Kamerorkest performed it.

Music for Children

Astrid has also created music especially for children. In 2009, she published a piano composition called Apen en Beer (Ape and Bear). This work has a short piece for each letter of the alphabet. It was first performed in Rotterdam in December 2009. Thirty young pianists played the different animal-themed pieces.

She also composed for the theatre and for young audiences. Her children's opera Fietsen (Cycling) was performed in Antwerp in 1999. In 2009, young actors and singers in Bremen, Germany, performed Schwarz wie Tinte. This piece was based on a book by the Dutch writer Wim Hofman.

Life in Gouda

Astrid Kruisselbrink lives in Gouda with her husband and their two sons.

External Link

• Official website: http://www.astridkruisselbrink.nl/