About NBE

History

The first generation (1959-1988)

The NBE was founded in 1959 by bassoonist Thom de Klerk, together with wind players from the Concertgebouw Orchestra. Early members included Edo de Waart, Werner Herbers and Han de Vries (oboe), George Pieterson (clarinet), Joep Terwey (bassoon), Martine Bakker (flute), and Jaap Verhaar (horn). The core of the NBE was a wind octet (two oboes, clarinets, bassoons, and horns), but the ensemble was often expanded to larger formations.

After a restart in 1966 under the leadership of Edo de Waart, the ensemble broke away from many classical traditions. This period was characterized by varied programs, the creation of new repertoire, and the performance of previously unknown early works. The ensemble did not shy away from social criticism and political engagement, collaborating with musicians outside the classical tradition and artists from various disciplines.

The Bart Schneemann years (1988-2024)

In 1988, Bart Schneemann took over as artistic director and transformed the ensemble into a creative, energetic, and socially engaged group of musicians from a new generation. Schneemann developed a distinctive signature: concerts as theatrical, narrative performances in which the ensemble’s joy of playing and high musical quality go hand in hand.

Connection became the key word — between musical genres, cultures, amateurs and professionals, young and old. Alongside artistic innovation, the NBE demonstrated strong social commitment through collaborations with organizations such as War Child and refugee initiatives, as well as through the development of an extensive talent program. With jongNBE as its talent incubator and the national composition competition as a cornerstone, the NBE now invests structurally in nurturing young talent.

Now

In 2024, bass trombonist Brandt Attema was appointed as the new artistic director. After 24 years as a core member of the ensemble, he remains true to the NBE’s identity: creating music that moves, inspires, and transports audiences to unfamiliar musical worlds.

Yet a fresh wind is blowing through the ensemble. With boundless energy, Brandt and the core musicians are exploring new colors and perspectives, ensuring that the NBE continues to be a place of freedom, playfulness, and connection.

The Nederlands Blazers Ensemble (NBE)/Netherlands Wind Ensemble is a group of over 20 top musicians who create unique, theatrical music programs that rarely fit under a single musical label. Driven by shared passion and a hunger for adventure, they seek out fascinating collaborations with musicians from other cultures and crossovers with different artistic disciplines. With its innovative programs, the NBE aims to surprise, move, and inspire a wide audience.

We love playing music from all corners of the globe and from all eras, and combining all musical styles. In every performance, we try to use the power of all those beautiful notes to tell a story. A story that will move, amaze and change people’s minds.

Brandt Attema

Brandt Attema (Blessum, 1978) is the artistic director and bass trombonist of the Netherlands Wind Ensemble (NBE). In 2024, he succeeded oboist Bart Schneemann, who had shaped the ensemble’s artistic direction and given it its distinctive signature since 1988.

Since 2000, Brandt has been a core member of the ensemble as bass trombonist. This long-standing involvement has profoundly influenced his musical development. In collaboration with composers and arrangers, he has helped create unique roles for the (bass) trombone within the NBE, strengthening his love for musical diversity. This, in turn, has inspired him to explore new and innovative repertoire beyond the NBE, where the bass trombone takes center stage.