Erik Bosgraaf

Erik Bosgraaf is generally considered to be one of the world’s most virtuosic recorder players, and certainly the most adventurous. Moreover, he is an inspiring conductor. To Erik, his instrument is an inexhaustible source of inspiration, with endless possibilities. He improvises, plays jazz, utilizes electronics and likes working with people in other areas of artistic endeavour such as cinematography. His repertoire extends from medieval music to Vivaldi’s Four Seasons to tomorrow’s music. For Erik there is no fundamental difference between historical and contemporary repertoire. He is of the opinion that ‘early music is always new’. As a soloist he is regularly invited to lead the orchestra himself. If not playing the recorder, he leads from the harpsichord or – in classical and later repertoire for chamber orchestra – conducts from the front. Sharing the stage: As a soloist, Erik has worked with leading orchestras all over the world. He made his USA debut at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra under Jaap van Zweden, who immediately invited him to his other orchestra, the Hong Kong Philharmonic, telling him: ‘There you can lead the orchestra yourself’ (which Erik did, to great acclaim).