A Journey of Artistic Discovery Across Europe
ULYSSES CO-COMMISSION: GIJS VAN DER HEIJDEN
Organised by Gaudeamus, IEMA, Netherlands
The ULYSSES Platform supports emerging composers with commissions.
In 2025, Gaudeamus and IEMA are commissioning Dutch emerging composer Gijs van der Heijden.
Gijs van der Heijden is a composer from Utrecht who completed his Master's in Composition at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague in 2023. His style is often strongly melodic, rhythmic, and dynamic, but it can also reach a timeless, relentless, meditative intensity. Gijs aims to develop a unique and personal sound through traditional, acoustic methods, frequently employing multiple simultaneous tunings. He is particularly interested in the interaction between instruments and their distinct personalities, and his work often reflects a keen sense of intuitive musical timing. In addition to the contemporary classical repertoire, Gijs draws inspiration from a wide range of sources, including experimental rock and film and game soundtracks.
At Gaudeamus this year, the International Ensemble Modern Academy (IEMA)will play Gijs van der Heijden's ULYSSES commissioned work, Kelp + Amethyst = Coprolite alongside other works.
Programme
Gijs van der Heijden: Kelp + Amethyst = Coprolite (2025) (World Premiere)
Golnaz Shariatzadeh: MOM (2023)
Robin Haigh: Hell Hot (2025)
Yuheng Chen: Goodbye, Cinema - for Ensemble with Amplified Objects (2025) (World Premiere)
