Joep Stapel selects Symphony No. 1 of Joey Roukens as the best concert of 2022

His output includes orchestral works, ensemble works, chamber music, solo instrumental works and an opera. In his music Roukens strives to move away from modernist ways of thinking in search for a more eclectic and more direct idiom, without reverting to some naive neo-style. In doing so, the composer doesn’t shy away from the use of triads, tonal or diatonic harmonies, a regular rhythmic pulse, directness of expression, simplicity, references to popular music and vernacular culture, ‘stealing’ from the musical heritage of the past and the odd trivial turn.

.. that rare thing: a modern opera that exerts an immediate emotional impact”
The Telegraph - Rupert Christensen

“... the most enthralling new operatic score I’ve heard for several seasons”
The Times - Richard Morrison

"... genuine lyricism, rich harmonies, and gorgeous orchestration"
The Stage - George Hall

“... the very stuff of opera”
The Observer - Fiona Maddocks

"...hugely likeable"
The Sunday Times - Hugh Canning

"It had vitality and brilliance. Unlike many new commissions for the opera stage, it worked"
International New York Times - Michael White

His output includes orchestral works, ensemble works, chamber music, solo instrumental works and an opera. In his music Roukens strives to move away from modernist ways of thinking in search for a more eclectic and more direct idiom, without reverting to some naive neo-style. In doing so, the composer doesn’t shy away from the use of triads, tonal or diatonic harmonies, a regular rhythmic pulse, directness of expression, simplicity, references to popular music and vernacular culture, ‘stealing’ from the musical heritage of the past and the odd trivial turn.