Johan Kloosterhuis is a versatile saxophonist known for his original sound and a strong drive for free expression. His career is characterized by a boundary-crossing approach, navigating between contemporary classical, avant-garde jazz, and world music.
He has worked with various composers, including Annet Kruisbrink, Hans van Hagen, Ben Wallet, and Adriaan Valk. He recorded much of the latter’s composed work, including with the Iona Saxophone Quartet.
His dedication also led to remarkable crossover projects with poet Eugenie de Munck, Senegalese percussionist Pape Seck, and dancer Sandra Steen, among others.
Performances with renowned musicians such as cellist Godfried Hoogeveen and saxophonist Adriaan Valk were classic highlights. As a jazz ensemble player, he was part of the jazz formation Hemelsbreed, where he played alongside musicians Maarten Gal [horn], Eddy Lammerding [drums], Johan Veldkamp [vibraphone], and Eric Kruisbrink [bass].
Ben Wallet en Johan Kloosterhuis
Een productie van componist Ben Wallet in de projectweek van Jacob ter Veldhuis, Artez Zwolle.
Sax: Johan Kloosterhuis
Performances with renowned musicians such as cellist Godfried Hoogeveen and saxophonist Adriaan Valk were classic highlights. As a jazz ensemble player, he was part of the jazz formation Hemelsbreed, where he played alongside musicians Maarten Gal [horn], Eddy Lammerding [drums], Johan Veldkamp [vibraphone], and Eric Kruisbrink [bass].
With six CD productions to his name to date, Kloosterhuis has built up a substantial oeuvre. His live performances have taken him to the most important stages in the Netherlands, including:
The Spiegel Zaal at the Concertgebouw, De IJsbreker, and the Vondelparkpodium.
He also gave various live radio performances for the Dutch broadcaster from De IJsbreker and the Concertgebouw with the Iona saxophone quartet.
As evidenced by his latest CD, Sublime Void, in collaboration with Hans van Hagen, Johan Kloosterhuis remains a musician who, averse to musical mainstream, continues to develop his own recognizable sound.
According to Johan Kloosterhuis, that sound simply lies in following your own heart. According to Johan Kloosterhuis, the treasure trove without boundaries, the beautiful inner world.
Foolish.
Gespeeld door Vincent Bergervoet en Johan Kloosterhuis op altsax. Componist Adriaan Valk
On my instrument, I sometimes find myself able to tap into the abstract side of myself. I always find this a very special experience, because I feel like a filmmaker in a nature documentary who has to wait endlessly, focused on a glimpse of, for example, a little bird.
The abstract side within ourselves generally does not reveal itself easily, no matter how strong the desire to unite with our abstract side may be. On top of that, just like with the bird just mentioned, it is a temporary event; once the bird has flown, only a sense of satisfaction remains, which eventually evaporates and can even turn into frustration.
Yet, I think it is not all for nothing; the aforementioned experiences tend towards insights and feelings of connectedness, ultimately giving me—at least—a certain logic, a direction. These latter factors are of essential importance for progressing on this so-called intuitive path of musical development, where no step can be skipped or accelerated; at most, you can work on the prerequisites.
Sublime Void: A Dialogue in Sound
”With the release of Sublime Void (2026), Johan Kloosterhuis and Hans van Hagen present an album born from a lifelong musical connection. Although their paths diverged for decades, they reunited through a shared passion for exploring sound, structure, and intuition.
The strength of this collaboration lies in the combination of their distinct backgrounds. Johan Kloosterhuis brings an element of calm and depth to the project; his approach is rooted in a pure experience of space and music, partly shaped by the silence of the Scandinavian landscape. In contrast to this atmospheric side is the expertise of Hans van Hagen, who provides the foundation with layered sound design and complex synthesis. His decades of experience as a composer, producer, and electronics specialist form the technical and musical basis of the album.
Sublime Void is not a nostalgic project, but a modern exploration. The album is characterized by a continuous exchange between organic instruments and electronics, between movement and silence. While Kloosterhuis focuses on the core of the composition and the natural sound of the instrument, Van Hagen utilizes the full range of electronic possibilities.
Through their long-standing mutual understanding, they have succeeded in creating an abstract yet deeply human sonic language. The result is a layered work where craftsmanship and passion meet—an album that fits seamlessly into the tradition of pioneering music, where technology and emotion are directly interconnected.”
Title: Sublime Void
Label: Donemus
Media: CD and streaming media.
or listen here:
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9862968–sublime-void
or here:
About Hans van Hagen
Composer | Producer | Sound Designer | Electronics Specialist
Profile
A versatile architect of sound with a career bridging the gap between profound analog engineering and large-scale productions. From early avant-garde experiments at STEIM to solo compositions for international stadiums and collaborations with iconic artists. Characterized by extensive expertise in sound synthesis and a deep-rooted understanding of sonic origins, shaped by decades of experience in both the creative and high-end technical sectors.
Large-Scale Compositions & Productions
Sporting Lisbon (Portugal): Full composition and performance of the music for the official stadium reopening. This independent commission included the musical direction of the opening ceremony, intricately synchronized with a large-scale laser show and event choreography.
International Arena Productions: Musical direction for ceremonies at the Amsterdam ArenA (including close collaboration with Joost van Bellen).
Modern Classical Reinterpretations: Co-responsible for an innovative performance of J.S. Bach’s St Matthew Passion at De Melkweg. The score was reinterpreted for an ensemble of four prominent DJs and electronics; responsible for the musical arrangements for Joost van Bellen in collaboration with Antoine Schillemans.
Media & Broadcasting
National Broadcasters: Design and composition of numerous themes and program intros for nearly all Dutch national broadcasting organizations.
Audio Identity: Co-developed and produced various radio station calls, including branding for the KRO.
Collaborations & Fashion
Richenel: Composer and musician during his formative years. Heavily involved in the breakthrough album L’Esclave Endormi (released on the 4AD label). Additionally responsible for various compositions on subsequent albums and live television performances (including the Sonja Barend Show).
Fashion & Performance: * Compositions for Viktor & Rolf catwalk presentations (commissioned by Eddy de Clercq).
Musical collaboration with the Rietveld Academy for a multimedia performance featuring a dancer from the Dutch National Ballet.
Production & Mastering
Certified Producer: Professional training at the IAB (Institute for Audio and Lighting Technology), specializing in ear training, arrangement, and studio technology (2004).
Studio Experience: Extensive experience in premier recording facilities, including Studio 150, Soundpush Studios, and Wisseloord Studios.
Mastering Engineer: Years of expertise in final assembly and mastering for diverse projects, ranging from productions for Alex Cortiz to specialized audio post-production for liturgical services.
Technical Background & Innovation
Synthesis Pioneer: Early roots at IVKO and STEIM (Studio for Electro-Instrumental Music), where a fascination with tactile sound interaction began with the construction of a ‘Kraakdoos’ (Crackle Box).
Specialist Electronics: Served in the technical department of Nederland Muziek. Responsible for the repair, modification, and maintenance of a wide array of synthesizers (including Moog, Arp, and PPG), effect units, and PA systems.
Precision Engineering: Experience as an electronics technician for high-sensitivity EEG and ECG equipment at Medelec and Van Gogh (Sloten), laying the foundation for an ultra-precise methodology in audio engineering.
Live Performance & Current Collaborations
Drums: Broad experience as a drummer with nationwide performances at iconic venues such as Paradiso. Long-term active musician in the house band of the ‘Open Bak’ in De Nes (Amsterdam), providing musical accompaniment for countless artists across various disciplines.
Live Soundscapes: Development of innovative live performances in exclusive settings, including the fusion of modern culinary arts and live electronic music with chef Thorwald Voss.
Current Collaboration: Recent focus on the artistic synergy with saxophonist Johan Kloosterhuis. This collaboration is characterized by a fusion of modern saxophone, complex synthesis, and environmental sound collages, resulting in a joint album and inclusion in the Donemus archives.
Iona Kwartet op Iona
Iona is de naam van een mythisch eiland bij de westkust van Schotland. Iona is ook de naam van een saxofoonkwartet, opgericht door componist/saxofonist Adriaan Valk. De droom van het saxofoonkwartet was om een keer hun muziek te laten horen op het eiland.
Bernadette Geels – Filmmaker
Adriaan Valk – Compositie
Ben Wallet en Johan Kloosterhuis
Bewerking van componist Ben Wallet .
Film Sieko Kloosterhuis
In projectweek van Jacob ter Veldhuis.
Hemelsbreed – Ju
Ju composed by Johan Kloosterhuis. Johan Veldkamp vibraphone, Erik Kruisbrink bass, Eddy Lammerding drums, Johan Kloosterhuis saxophone, Maarten Gal horn
Altsaxofoon: Johan Kloosterhuis.
Compositie: Ben Wallet
Ensemble Hemelsbreed, cd Hemelsbreed (2008 eigen beheer).
Line up: Johan Veldkamp vibraphone; Eddy Lammerding drums; Eric Kruisbrink bass; Maarten Gal horn; Johan Kloosterhuis saxophone