Hessel (18-03-1995, Zaandam) completed his Master's degree in classical viola with Marjolein Dispa and Nobuko Imai at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in 2020.
Splendor
Since then, he has been following a broadly oriented path in the musical scene. He is a 'Jonge Hond' at Splendor in Amsterdam, where he can participate for two years with a group of 50 Splendor musicians, resulting in various collaborations with special musicians and experiments. At Splendor, Hessel has made his way into live electronics.
MENGELMOES
In 2022, Hessel developed the concept of 'Mengelmoes' at Splendor. This is a solo project where the viola is combined with synthesizers and live electronics, creating a kaleidoscope of melancholic and colourful soundscapes. With this project, Hessel has performed at various festivals, such as the Grachtenfestival, Roode Bioscoop and Lavafest. He also created the music for the 8-part YouTube documentary 'Kika Stories' by Stichting Kinderen Kankervrij.
3VIOLAS
Hessel is one of the founders of 3VIOLAS, a band consisting of three violists who compose their own music and create a completely unique style. 3VIOLAS is a frequent guest at festivals, such as the Grachtenfestival in Amsterdam. They are regularly heard on Radio 4 and seen on TV programs such as Podium Klassiek. In 2022, 3VIOLAS made its debut at Down The Rabbit Hole and Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE), where they performed a concert together with visual artist Vincent Rang and 24Classics.
As a freelancer, Hessel has played with various orchestras and ensembles, such as Pynarello, PHION, and Mahler Chamber Orchestra.
Amsterdams Andalusisch Orkest
Since 2023, Hessel is a member of the Amsterdams Andalusisch Orkest (AAO). With this orchestra, he dives into the world of Arab and Andalusian music. This orchestra also likes to make connections with different genres. In 2022, this resulted in collaborations with various artists, such as AAO & Lavinia Meijer, and performances at the Holland Festival with Sami Yusuf. Hessel also made a concert tour to Rabat (Morocco) with the AAO.
Collaborations
Hessel likes to collaborate with artists from different genres and music styles. He accompanied neuropsychologist Erik Scherder in theater lectures, regularly collaborates with spoken word artists, and often forms improvisation duos with experimental fellow musicians, such as recorder player Juho Myllylä, Qanun player Shaza Manla, oboist Maripepa Contreras, and drummer Mees Siderius.
Instrument
Hessel plays a viola built by Daniel Royé. He was able to purchase this instrument with the help of the Stichting Eigen Muziekinstrument (SEM). His bow, by Charles Espey, was provided to him by the Nationaal Muziek Instrument Fonds (NMF).