CFT lecturer Huba de Graaff wins Classical Lifetime Achievement Award

Buma Classical Awards

The Buma Classical Awards are presented annually to composers who make a significant contribution to the development of contemporary classical music.

Alongside the Buma Classical Award, the Buma Classical Lifetime Achievement Award is presented to a composer with an exceptional and influential oeuvre.

This year, the Buma Classical Award goes to composer Joey Roukens.

Composition for Film and Theatre lecturer

Huba de Graaff studied sonology in Utrecht and composition at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, graduating with distinction. At the invitation of Vanessa Lann, Head of Composition for Film and Theatre, she joined ArtEZ Academy of Music in Arnhem as a lecturer.

Experimental yet accessible work

Despite her experimental approach, which incorporates mixing desks, laptops and self-built instruments, De Graaff’s work remains accessible to a broad audience.

Her opera Qaqnas premiered at the Holland Festival in June. Earlier, she gained recognition with operas such as Apera, inspired by communication between apes, and Pornopera, built around the sounds of a couple making love.

Awards presented during Day of the Composer

The awards will be presented on Sunday 21 June during the closing evening of the Day of the Composer.

This annual nationwide festival celebrates contemporary music and its creators. On Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June, performances, concerts and activities will take place across the Netherlands.

Students from Composition for Film and Theatre will perform on Saturday 20 June.

Follow Huba de Graaff

• Website
• Video by ArtEZ Academy of Music in Arnhem