Femke IJlstra is one of the most successful saxophonists of her generation and is connected to several major orchestras in the Netherlands and abroad. She gave concerts in the United States, Canada, South America, Asia and Europe, among others.

Femke studied saxophone with Arno Bornkamp at the Conservatoire of Amsterdam. She completed her master's degree cum laude and is one of the youngest female teachers in her field. Besides her activities as a soloist, Femke has a passion for chamber music. She is founder of the young Syrène Saxophone Quartet, and played soprano saxophone in the renowned Aurelia Saxophone Quartet. In 2020, she was appointed artistic director of the Emmy Verhey Festival in Zaltbommel.

Johan van der Linden Studied classical saxophone at the Sweelinck Conservatorium in Amsterdam. He followed master classes with Frederick Hemke, André Beun, Jean Marie Londiex, Iwan Roth, Daniel Deffayet and François Daneels. He was primarius of the world-renowned Aurelia Saxophone Quartet from 1982 to 2013 - one of the world's leading chamber music ensembles. John wrote many arrangements for this famous ensemble. From 1982 to 1990, Johan was a member of the Royal Military Band in The Hague; today he is a member of the Netherlands Wind Ensemble. As a freelance musician, he regularly works with Dutch orchestras, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and many others. As a soloist, Johan premiered many saxophone concerts.

The new academic year starts after the summer, but preparations are already in full swing. Students can apply until 9 February, and auditions will take place in March. You can apply via: https://www.codarts.nl/en/education/bachelors/classical-music/about/ 

More information about the teachers: 

• https://femkeijlstra.nl 
• https://www.johanvanderlinden.com 

Photo: Femke IJlstra, photographer Hans van Egdom - Johan van der Linden, photo www.johanvanderlinden.com