Dutch Guitarist Wiek Hijmans Coming to Boston in May

On Thursday, May 17th, The Improvisation Pool concert series will present the second of two spring concerts that bring together a group of Boston's most respected improvisers with a special guest from Amsterdam's world-renowned creative music scene. For this concert at The Lily Pad, made possible by a donation from the Gaudeamus Foundation, the series welcomes Dutch guitarist Wiek Hijmans, who will perform in various settings with saxophonist and series curator Jorrit Dijkstra, accordionist Ted Reichman, electronic sound artist Andrew Neumann, pianist Stephen Drury, percussionist Tim Feeney and drummer Eric Rosenthal. Hijmans will also perform with the Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP) on May 19th as part of the Bank of America Celebrity Series.

Critics have used phrases such as “a treasured listen" (Mark Corroto, AllAboutJazz.com) and “consistently fascinating" (Nate Dorward, Cadence) to describe Hijmans' two innovative solo recordings, Electric Solo (X-OR, 2002) and Classic Electric (X-OR, 2004). In his review of the former, the All Music Guide's Steve Loewy wrote, “Not only are there sudden changes in volume, but the rhythmic and harmonic complexities are often strikingly intriguing and the range of sound astonishing. Those who are accustomed to hearing the electric guitar solely in the context of rock and pop should be impressed with its adaptation to an entirely different way of expressing itself."

Hijmans is known for his pioneering use of the electric guitar in a contemporary classical context, as well as the integration of influences such as jazz, rock and collective improvisation into his repertoire. A former student of guitarist David Starobin, and Andrs Segovia Award winner, he has performed solo recitals at festivals and music series around the world. He has also collaborated with such notable performers as Anthony Braxton, Roscoe Mitchell and John Zorn, and ensembles including the Brooklyn Philharmonic, Sinfonitta Amsterdam and Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. A longtime advocate for the creation of new compositions for his instrument, Hijmans also founded and co-directs Amsterdam's OUTPUT Festival, the first international festival dedicated to classical music for the electric guitar.