Nederlands Henk De Graaf
Henk De Graaf, born in Spakenburg, studied at the conservatory in Utrecht under the guidance of Jos d'Hondt. In 1970, he graduated with honors, obtaining all diplomas. Three years later, in 1973, he was awarded the "Prix d'Excellence." His remarkable skill led to his appointment as the principal clarinetist of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra in 1975. With the orchestra, he performed acclaimed concerts featuring the works of Mozart and Von Weber, including Lindpainter's concerto during an American tour.
Additionally, De Graaf spent several years performing with the Netherlands Wind Ensemble and participating in various chamber music ensembles. One of his notable CD projects included recordings of Romantic clarinet trios by Mozart, Schumann, and Bruch, as well as the clarinet sonatas op. 120 by Brahms, alongside pianist Daniel Wayenberg.
Throughout his career, Henk De Graaf released numerous CDs. On the occasion of his 25th anniversary as the principal clarinetist of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, he released a CD featuring Mozart's clarinet concerto KV. 622 among other works. He also recorded a CD of chamber music by Von Weber, Baermann, Crusell, and Spohr, as well as a collection of clarinet trios by Beethoven, Glinka, Brahms, and Zemlinsky, again collaborating with pianist Daniel Wayenberg. In 2008, he released three CDs, one of which featured all clarinet quartets by Crusell in collaboration with members of the Daniel Quartet. He also recorded clarinet quintets by Brahms and Mozart with the Daniel Quartet and a CD with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Wind Ensemble featuring the Octet Partitas by Krommer.
In addition to his performance career, Henk De Graaf served as the principal clarinet instructor at the Rotterdam University of Music and Theater and the Amsterdam University of the Arts for 25 years. He also conducts and assists Dutch conductor Jan Stulen with the Dutch Promenade Orchestra and the Symphony Orchestra of Flanders, among other engagements. Furthermore, he regularly conducts masterclasses in France.
