|
The Dutch saxophonist and arranger, Raaf Hekkema, studied at Barlaeus Gymnasium in Amsterdam (1980-1986). He studied saxophone at Amsterdamse HS voor de kunsten / Sweelinck Conservatorium Amsterdam (1986-1992).
Multiple prize-winner Raaf Hekkema has an adventurous spirit: whether he plays Paganini’s violin concerto with orchestra, explores microtones on the saxophone, unravels the inhumanly complex mathematical musical puzzles that Conlon Nancarrow wrote for the pianola - Hekkema does not bat an eye. Performing mainly his own arrangements, he gives approximately 100 concerts a year the world over. He has appeared as soloist with numerous orchestras and has given many international masterclasses. The solo CD ‘Paganini Caprices for Saxophone’ (MDG, 2006) earned him the German Echo Klassik ‘Instrumentalist of the Year’ title. His compositions and arrangements are published by Schott Music.
Raaf Hekkema is co-founder of Calefax Reed Quintet (since 1985), for whom he has arranged hundreds of works, many of which have been recorded. Calefax Reed Quintet's repertoire spans nine centuries, Western and non-Western, from improv to contemporary classical. Additionally, the quintet has initiated projects with distinguished artists from the theatre, dance, film, animation worlds as well as those with diverse musical backgrounds. Calefax Reed Quintet has taken lessons from, or worked with, experts in the field of early music, including Paul Van Nevel, Bartold and Sigiswald Kuijken, Jan Willem de Vriend and Frans Brüggen. The ensemble plays at prominent concert venues worldwide, from South America to Japan, appears regularly on international radio and television, and has issued an impressive collection of CD recordings. Calefax Reed Quintet has also been the recipient of various prizes and distinctions. Thanks to the decades-long co-operation with the members of Calefax Reed Quintet, all of whom studied with prominent wind players from the Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam, Hekkema’s playing has taken on a musical character unlike any other saxophonist’s. He married Simone Noortman on December 20, 1996 and currently lives in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. |
