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(Contributed by Jacob ter Veldhuis <jtv1xs4all.nl>)

Jacob ter Veldhuis (1951) started his career in rock music and studied at the Groningen Conservatory where he was awarded the Dutch Composition Prize in 1980. Breaking through in the mid-eighties with harmonious compositions straight from the heart and averse to intellectual concepts or complex techniques of a worn-out avant-garde, he writes effectful music which pleases the ear without ever becoming too sweet or indolent. From his past as a rock musician he kept his interest in sound and a lively stage presentation as means of expression.He is a virtuoso in using electronics and involves items like the Gulf War, Chet Baker or the Jerry Springer Show by sampling techniques. Still a controversial figure amongst some established exponents of Dutch musical life, he has become one of the most successful composers of the Netherlands today. Ter Veldhuis wrote orchestral, chamber and electronic music as well as music for film, theatre and ballet. His music is worldwide performed and has been recorded on a great many CDs like Emergo Classics, Chandos, BVHaast, Globe, and Ottavo. Recently he received nominations from the UNESCO International Rostrum of Composers, the Ars Electronica Linz and Bourges Electronic Festival.

Highly expressive and emotional,almost anti-intellectual music,clear of texture and architectural in form, highly organised and basically tonal, though betraying no inclination towards any neo-classical procedures. A kind of non-repetitive minimalism, brooding and powerful. (Records International)

Performers of his music:
Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Gelders Orkest, Hong-Kong Philharmonic, Nederlands Ballet Orkest, National Orchestra of Malaysia, Ulster Orchestra, Penederecki Quartet, Netherlands Quartet, Utrecht String Quartet, Percussiongroup The Hague, Aurelia Quartet, James Galway, Eleonore Pameijer, Duo Berman-Wieringa, Safri Duo, Groningen Guitar Duo, Storioni Trio, The Houdini