Yamaha has announced that award-winning conductor Erik Janssen has officially linked up with the company.

Having studied the trumpet at the Amsterdam University of the Arts (Conservatorium van Amsterdam) with Peter Masseurs and conducting with Danny Oosterman, Erik started his career as a freelance trumpet player, subsequently performing with the likes of the Dutch Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, Royal Ballet Orchestra, Amsterdam Wind Orchestra and National Youth Orchestra.

Worldwide reputation

In addition he has gained a worldwide reputation as an outstanding conductor and tutor — from symphony orchestras to wind bands and brass bands, working from his artistic base at the Amsterdam University of the Arts and the Hanze Prince Claus Conservatoire, Groningen.

He led Brass Band Schoonhoven to four consecutive Dutch National Championships as well as a podium finish at the 2012 European Championships, whilst he has also enjoyed considerable success with the prestigious Koninklijke Marechausee military band, de Spijkerpakkenband, Koninklijke Harmoniekapel Delft and Het Noord Nederland Jeugd Orkest (North Netherlands Youth Wind Orchestra).

Their passion for music and music making mirrors my own philosophy and in my experience over the years, the company has been a reliable partner that supports and promotes music making in any way it canErik Janssen

Leading bands

Erik has also been invited to conduct a number of leading bands throughout Europe at major championship events — including Whitburn and Woodfalls at the National Finals and British Open respectively, whilst he will also direct the European Youth Brass Band at the 2016 European Championships in Lille in a few weeks time.

Passion

He told 4BR: "Yamaha is a company that suits my life as a musician perfectly. Their passion for music and music making mirrors my own philosophy and in my experience over the years, the company has been a reliable partner that supports and promotes music making in any way it can."