The Netherlands has a long and rich musical history, dating back to the Middle Ages. In more recent years, the country has produced a number of world-renowned musicians across a wide range of genres. The Netherlands has something to offer everyone, from classical composers to pop stars. Here are six Dutch musicians you need to know about.
1. Janine Jansen
Janine Jansen is one of the greatest Dutch classical performers of all time and a well-known violinist. She has thirteen albums out and has received various awards, including Edison and Grammy awards. Jansen has also been appointed as a Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion.
Born in the Netherlands in 1978, she began playing the violin when she was five years old and quickly showed a flair for the instrument. She then went to study at The Hague’s prestigious conservatory, where she completed her diploma with the highest honors. After graduation, she launched her international career with a bang, winning first prize at the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in New York. She has since performed as a soloist with some of the world’s most prestigious orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, and the Berlin Philharmonic. In addition to her busy performance schedule, Janine Jansen is also a dedicated teacher. At the Royal Academy of Music in London, she is currently a violin professor. Throughout her career, Janine Jansen has captivated audiences with her enchanting playing and radiant personality, cementing her place as one of today’s most celebrated violinists.
2. André Rieu
The violinist, conductor, and composer André Rieu is from the Netherlands and is most well-known for his waltz compositions. He is the founder and leader of the Johann Strauss Orchestra, which he established in 1987. With more than 40 million recordings and DVDs sold worldwide, Rieu is one of the best-selling musicians of all time.
He is best known for his waltzes, which he often performs with his Johann Strauss Orchestra. Rieu has released over 70 albums and sold over 40 million copies worldwide. Additionally, he has performed plays at some of the world’s most renowned musical venues, such as Carnegie Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. In addition to his musical achievements, Rieu is also a successful businessman. He founded his own record label, management company, and booking agency. He also owns several European castles, which he uses as rehearsal spaces and performance venues for his orchestra. Rieu’s passion for music and business has made him one of the most successful classical musicians in the world.
3. Marco Borsato
Marco Borsato is a Dutch singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1990s with his hit single “Dromen Zijn Bedrog.” Since then, he has released 11 studio albums and sold over 5 million records in the Netherlands alone. Borsato has also won numerous awards, including Edison Awards and World Music Awards.
Marco Borsato is one of the Netherlands’ most successful musicians. With over five million records sold worldwide and thirteen studio albums to his name, Borsato has cemented his place in Dutch music history. He is also an accomplished live performer, having sold out arenas and stadiums across the Netherlands. In addition to his musical career, Borsato has also hosted his own talk show and appeared as a judge on The Voice Kids. Outside of his native Netherlands, Borsato is perhaps best known for his 2006 duet with Italian singer Giuliano Sangiorgi, “De rouwstoet.” The song was a massive hit in both the Netherlands and Italy and remained one of Borsato’s signature songs. Marco Borsato is a Dutch music icon who has achieved immense success at home and abroad.
4. Anouk Teeuwe
Anouk Teeuwe is a Dutch singer-songwriter who first became prominent in 1997 with her debut album, Together Alone. She has recently released nine studio albums and won multiple awards, including 3 Edison Awards and 2 MTV Europe Music Awards. Teeuwe is also a member of the supergroup Trijntje Oosterhuis & Friends.
The Dutch singer-songwriter rose to fame in the late 1990s with her chart-topping single, “Nobody’s Wife.” Since then, she has released eight studio albums and earned multiple awards, including Grammy and World Music awards. In addition to her musical career, Teeuwe is also an accomplished actress. She has appeared in films such as lovesick (2006) and New Kids Turbo (2010). Teeuwe is currently married to actor Joost Haijma and has two sons. She divides her time between her homes in Amsterdam and Los Angeles.
5. Trijntje Oosterhuis
Trijntje Oosterhuis is a Dutch singer best known for her work in the jazz and pop genres. She has released ten studio albums and won multiple awards, including 4 Edison Awards and 2 Grammy Awards. Oosterhuis is also a member of the supergroup Trijntje Oosterhuis & Friends.
She first gained international attention with her critically acclaimed album The Look of Love, released in 2001. She has since kept captivating audiences with her strong voice and meaningful lyrics. In addition to her solo career, some of the greatest stars in the music industry have worked with Oosterhuis, including Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, and Jamie Cullum. She has won numerous awards for her work, including a Grammy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Outside of her musical endeavors, Oosterhuis is also an active philanthropist, supporting various charities and causes. She is an ambassador for UNICEF and has also been involved in campaigns to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and human trafficking. With her incredible talent and compassion for others, it is no wonder that Trijntje Oosterhuis is one of the most respected musicians in the world today.
6. Caro Emerald
Caro Emerald is a Dutch jazz singer best known for her 2010 hit single “A Night Like This.” She has released three studio albums and won multiple awards, including an Edison Award and an MTV Europe Music Award. Emerald’s retro style has been likened to that of Amy Winehouse and Duffy.
These are only six examples out of many great Dutch musicians! Was your favorite on the list? Let us know in the comments below!