A black-and-white portrait of Merlijn Twaalfhoven looking past the camera. Een zwart-witportret van Merlijn Twaalfhoven die langs de camera kijkt.

Merlijn Twaalfhoven (NLD)

Back to poets
Back to poets

Merlijn Twaalfhoven (NLD)

Merlijn Twaalfhoven (NLD) is a composer and writer and is known for his large-scale, interdisciplinary music projects, often staged in unconventional locations. He explores how imagination, play, and art can help address societal challenges such as democracy, inequality, and the transition to a sustainable society. He creates unconventional music and theater projects, and has worked in cities, conflict zones, and refugee camps. In his book Het is aan ons (It’s on us) (2020), he shows how anyone can activate the artist within themselves to solve small and big global issues.

Where you may know this artist from

  • Unconventional music and theater projects in Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Brazil, and the USA.
  • Collaborations with the Kronos Quartet, Holland Festival, and Tokyo Symphony Orchestra.
  • Recipient of a UNESCO award; nominated for the Amsterdam Prize for the Arts.
A black-and-white portrait of Merlijn Twaalfhoven looking past the camera. Een zwart-witportret van Merlijn Twaalfhoven die langs de camera kijkt.
© Jelmer de Haas

Programs