Bianca Bongers: The Sound Around Me!

For the 30th Netherlands Violin Competition in Utrecht, four new works have been specially commissioned: Hawar Tawfiq (Oskar Back Prize), Karmit Fadael (Davina van Wely Prize), Bianca Bongers (Iordens A Prize), and Aart Strootman (Iordens B Prize). Among them, Bianca Bongers’ The Sound Around Me! for violin and piano stands out as an inventive composition designed especially for young violinists aged 10 to 12. In this piece, sound, rhythm, and space take centre stage, inviting experimentation, play, and discovery.

Seeing, Feeling, and Experiencing Music

Bongers began playing piano at the age of four and cello at nine. Early on, she realized that creating her own music fascinated her more than simply following notes. Her compositional approach aims to translate the music she hears in her head as precisely as possible to the instrument, taking into account the musician’s personality, the instrument’s possibilities, and the interaction with the piano. The result is a piece that moves through space, shifts from high to low, explores rhythm and dynamics, and encourages young performers to engage their imagination.

“I see an image of music in my head that does not yet exist, and I try to bring it to life,” Bongers explains. “My composition moves through the hall like a cloud, from high to low, inviting the player to be curious and to discover how the sound resonates in the space. At home it sounds different than in a concert hall, and that experience is my invitation to the competition participants.”

She continues: “I put myself in the shoes of young players, curious violinists who can tap into their own imagination. When I saw my name on the Netherlands Violin Competition list, I was delighted. This opportunity allows me to compose within self-chosen frameworks. I constantly ask myself: is this note really necessary? Could the melody be more logical?”

About Bianca Bongers

Bongers’ work has been performed at prestigious venues and festivals, including Gaudeamus Muziekweek, November Music, the Lucerne Festival, Transit, Ultraschall Berlin, the Kurt Weill Fest, and the Grachtenfestival. Critics have praised her music for its tonal refinement, aphoristic lightness, and enchanting textures. She has composed for the Royal Flemish Philharmonic, Trio Esticato, Vincent van Amsterdam, Tosca Opdam, Alexander Ullman, the Ruysdael Quartet, and ensemble VONK. Bongers studied composition with Wim Henderickx and Luc van Hove at the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp and cello with Monique Heidema at Fontys in Tilburg, also attending masterclasses with Wolfgang Rihm, Brian Ferneyhough, Rebecca Saunders, Willem Jeths, and Michel van der Aa.

Looking Back at the Competition

The 30th edition of the Netherlands Violin Competition will also celebrate the event’s rich history. From autumn onwards, archival material, interesting facts, and historical newspaper articles will be made available through the foundation’s website.

Event Details

The Netherlands Violin Competition takes place from 8 to 31 January 2026 in Utrecht. Registration for the Oskar Back, Davina van Wely, and Iordens Prizes, the Showcase, the Open Stage, and the Violin Orchestra runs from 1 September to 31 October 2025. The Finale of the Iordens A Prize, featuring Bongers’ commissioned work, will take place on 25 January at TivoliVredenburg. More information is available at www.nederlandsvioolconcours.nl.