Winners Keep an Eye The Records 2026 announced!
The winners of the 12th edition of The Records were announced on Thursday evening 22 January at a crowded TivoliVredenburg.
From 140 applications from the various Dutch Conservatories, 8 finalists were chosen who played in TivoliVredenburg on Thursday January 22 for the final jury consisting of Maite Hontelé, Graziëlla Hunsel Rivero, Ben van Gelder, Maurits Portiers and Coen de Jonge.
Foto’s door Jaap Kroon
Woodcraft
Wouter Torringa – violin and viola and voice, Noah Hassler-Forest – 5-string violin and voice, Joshua Herwig – cello and voice, Ischa Kooistra – cello, Reinout de Vey-Mestdagh – cello and voice
Woodcraft is one of the most exciting string ensembles from the Netherlands. This boundary-breaking ensemble works with jazz, groove and improvisation, giving the violin, viola and cello a renewed voice in today’s musical landscape.
De jury wrote:
“Ready to go in every respect! Great use of instruments. A strong quintet with clearly audible classical and modern influences. Very entertaining and theatrically engaging in a beautiful way. Exceptionally well-rehearsed, and great admiration for the fact that everything was performed from memory.”
Loek van den Berg Quintet
Loek van den Berg – alto sax and duduk, Nathan Surquin – trombone, Aseo Friesacher – piano and voice, Cas Jiskoot – double bass, Martin Hafizi – drums
The multi-award winning Loek van den Berg Quintet makes storytelling, imaginative jazz music. Loek’s composing style has a lot of influences from different musical cultures, which results in a modern, melodic and melancholic sound. The strength of the band lies in the interaction between the band members, as they use lots of improvisation during live concerts.
De jury wrote:
“Beautiful compositions and a strong band sound with a fantastic rhythm section. The jury found the duduk playing beautiful. The band has a strong, distinctive identity and knows how to create a wonderful atmosphere.”
Daan Kluwer Quintet
Daan Kluwer – saxophone, Ella Zirina – guitar, Jelle Willems – keys, William Barrett – double bass, Tim Hennekes – drums
Dreamy synths, relentless drum ’n’ bass grooves, and cinematic soundscapes: the Daan Kluwer Quintet immerses listeners in a sonic world that feels both futuristic and alarmingly close to home.
De jury wrote:
“We were completely captivated! A strong band sound made up of enormously talented soloists, nuanced, subtle, and dynamic. The band truly told a beautiful story, and we experienced them as an energetic and physical ensemble.”