Biography

Musical omnivore Martin Fondse (February 20, 1967, Bergen Op Zoom) is a jazz and contemporary music pianist, composer and arranger who won the prestigious Dutch Boy Edgar Prize in 2017. The customarily accepted boundaries between genres like classical music, jazz, Latin and world music simply do not exist in his world.

Fondse’s creativity in composing and arranging is distinctive. It reveals a humorous and narrative style ranging from poetic, empathetic to delicate. He often devotes the fruits of his wide-ranging interests in large ensembles in which he can portray the full scope of his writing capacity.

In 2022 and 2023 Martin held the position of Composer Laureate of the Netherlands.

Martin Fondse has released several albums under his own name and appeared on many more as a composer, arranger or sideman. Recent works include the opening composition for the celebration of 50 years Bimhuis, Amsterdam, the Hello Cello Orkest of the Cello Biënnale 2024,Commissions from Bach Festival Dordrecht (Morningstar Cantata), Bimhuis 2022 (Diamonds) and a  well received project Stop de Tijd! in collaboration with Margriet Sjoerdsma, Vrouwkje Tuinman and Matanagi Quartet. He has composed film scores for several animation and feature films, and has received both national and international awards for these as well as for his orchestral work, including Buma Music in Motion Award 2023, Buma Classical Award 2022, the Prémio da Música Brasileira (2018), Zilveren Notenkraker (2016, NJJO), the Edison National Jazz Award (2012) his score for the Dutch entry for the Oscars (2009), Phantom of the Cinema, Animated Shorts category). In 2023 Martin wrote the film score to the documentary Vogels Kun Je Niet Melken. Also he contributes regularly music to the art installations and films of environmentalist and filmer Adam Sébire. In 2018 he wrote the score for the documentary film WAD.

As a composer/arranger Martin collaborated with artists like Gregory Porter, Pat Metheny, Terry Bozzio, Lenine, Peter Erskine, Doudou N’Diaye Rose, Vernon Reid, George Duke, Christina Branco, Claudio Puntin, Eric Vloeimans, Ernst Reijseger, Mariza, Sezen Aksu, Nils Wogram, Basement Jaxx, Matthew Herbert.

Furthermore, Martin received composition commission from orchestras like Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Holland Symfonia, NDR Big Band, Matangi Quartet, Phion, hr-Bigband Frankfurt, Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw, The Meridian Arts Ensemble, Metropole Orchestra.

His music has been featured on North Sea Jazz Festival, Holland Festival, Nederlandse Muziekdagen, November Music, Dutch Jazz Meeting, Elb Jazz, Rock in Rio, Tromp Percussion Festival, Cello Biënnale.