Composition department

Since the departure of Martijn Padding, the department has been excellently managed by a broad representation from within the department. With the appointment of a new Head, the Composition department will be led into the next phase with a unified vision and direction.

Taking the lead

Mayke: "I am proud to be part of the team that has led the department since Martijn Padding's departure over the past eighteen months. Together with Yannis Kyriakides, Peter Adriaansz, Erika Bordon, and Trevor Grahl, we have shared many insights, ideas, and enjoyable moments. From this inspiring collaboration, I look forward to taking the lead in further developing a flourishing Composition department from the coming academic year onwards."

About Mayke Nas

Mayke Nas (1972) is a renowned Dutch composer. From October 2016 to November 2018, she held the honorary title of 'Composer Laureate'. During this period, she advocated for greater visibility for composers and better remuneration for musicians. To send an urgent signal to politicians, she created a new voting bell for the House of Representatives. She grew up in a musical family (her grandfather was the composer, conductor, and organist Louis Toebosch) and studied piano and composition at the Sweelinck Conservatorium, the Brabants Conservatorium, and eventually at the Royal Conservatoire, where she studied with Martijn Padding and Gilius van Bergeijk. She has composed works commissioned by, among others, Asko|Schönberg, Ensemble Modern, November Music, Nieuw Amsterdams Peil, Oranjewoud Festival, NTR Matinee, Wittener Tage, Eklekto, Ragazze Quartet, Slagwerk Den Haag, the Nieuw Ensemble, and the Koninklijk Concertgebouw Orkest.