Oene van Geel (1973) is a musical adventurer. Influenced by jazz, Indian music, chamber music and free improvisation, he uses his virtuoso improvisation skills and his talent for composition for a wide range of musical activities.
He has toured Europe, the Middle East, India, Japan, the United States and Canada.
As a player he is currently active with the following ensembles / bands: Estafest, Haanstra & van Geel, Zapp4, duo with multi-instrumentalist Setareh Nafisi, duo with pianist Philipp Rüttgers, Philipp Rüttgers Quintet, duo with dancer Miri Lee and in trio with Goda Zukauskaite (dance) and Rob van den Broek (visual artist). In addition to playing with these formations, he is regularly invited as an improvising guest soloist.
He received the VPRO Boy Edgar Prize (2013), the Sena Performers Toonzetters Prize (2012, with Zapp4), the Kersjes Prize (2005, with Zapp4), the Deloitte Jazz Award (2002), the Dutch Jazz Competition (2001) and the Jur Music Prize Naessens Music Prize (2000).
The Composer
Composing is currently the main activity of Oene. He is most active in music theater and chamber music. He composed for: Dutch National Opera, Pynarello, The Netherlands Wind Ensemble, Holland Opera, Liza Ferschtman + Calefax, Frederieke Saeijs, Niladri Kumar, The Dudok Quartet, The David Kweksilber Big Band, The Osiris Trio, Emlyn Stam + New European Ensemble, Black Pencil Ensemble, Amstel Quartet, Nizar Rohana, Remy van Kestere Bosgraaf, Steven Kamperman Quintet, Jeugdorkest Nederland, Amsterdam Sinfonietta, Matangi Quartet, Calefax, Tetzepi bigtet, the Ricciotti Ensemble, Nicolay Shugaev, David Braid and many others. Oene has been a member of the Nieuw Geneco (composers union) since December 2016.
Oene also regularly composes for festivals such as: Bach Festival Dordrecht (2020), The Amsterdam Viola Festival (2017), The Dutch Violin Competition (2016 edition), Cello Biennale Amsterdam (2008 and 2016 edition), Anniversary Osiris Trio (2014), the Storioni Festival (2013), Orlando Festival (2012), the North Sea Jazz Festival (2005), SJU Jazz Festival (2002), Marathon Festival Oosterpoort (2002).
