Robert Bekkers

Photo credits: Erfan Arefi

While at conservatory, Robert actively participated in international masterclasses with Costas Cotsiolis, Hubert Kappel, David Russell, Pepe Romero, Sonja Prunnbauer, Dale Kavanagh, Abel Carlevaro, Alexander Frauchi, among others

A scholarship from the Dutch Government enabled him to study abroad with the guitarist and composer Angelo Gilardino at the Accademia Superiore Internazionale di Musica "Lorenzo Perosi" in Biella, Italy and the Conservatory of Alessandria, where he developed his knowledge of guitar techniques and contemporary guitar repertoire.

(find out more about Angelo Gilardino)

While accompanying flamenco dance classes, Robert formed the group "IMPETU" consisting of 9 musicians and dancers, mixing flamenco and classical music. He played Mexican music with the group Serenata Mexicana in the Netherlands. Between 1997 and 1999, he toured with the Amstel Guitar Quartet. Since 1996 he has been performing with the internationally known flute player Berdien Stenberg and improvisation artist Jan Vayne. As a result of this wide range of activities, Robert is versatile in classical, flamenco, and other styles, and continues to perform both solo and with other instrumentalists.

(find out more about Berdien Stenberg)

In recent years, Robert has focussed on performing his own compositions and arrangements in a variety of settings. One of his latest projects is to introduce works of Dutch (guitar) composers abroad and original music composed for his piano and guitar duo with Anne Ku. The composers Erik Otte and Allan Segall have already dedicated works to them. The duo have performed in London, Cape Town, North Cyprus, Cortona, and throughout the Netherlands. Since November 2005, Robert has been playing a concert guitar built by the Amsterdam-based luthier Jeroen Hilhorst specifically for the duo.

(find out more about piano guitar duo music)