Edgar Van Asselt

Edgar started listening and playing music at an early age. Starting out on the accordeon  he switched to piano to serve his musical aspirations better. At the moment, Edgar is picking up the accordeon again after more than 45 years. 

After he graduated from business school with a Bachelor degree in Applied Economics he decided to pursue his musical aspirations at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. While he was learning jazz from great Dutch pianists as Rob van Kreeveld and Frans Elsen, he gradually started to develop his own ideas. 

Composing

Absorbing all kinds of musical influences inspired him to develop his own ideas. He started playing with Salsa bands, toured with a Tango orchestra and explored a wide variety of musical styles. Out of a fascination for great melodies and songs, he started composing himself. 

Bands and collaborations

As a bandleader, pianist, and producer Edgar worked with the likes of David Schnitter, Lucy Woodward, Jorge Vistel, Robertinho Silva, Jorge Rossy and Jeroen Vierdag. 

Producing cultural projects: education and cultural empowerment

Leading his own projects eventually also served him getting a job as a cultural project leader in Schilderswijk, a large multi-cultural neighbourhood in The Hague. 

inviting Robertinho Silva

He was able to invite Brazilian star percussionist Robertinho Silva to come over to give workshops and inspire and perform with scholars, members of Antillean brass bands, and Capoeira dancers. 

He also organised a project for rappers and beatboxers from the area and hooked them up for a workshop and performance with British beatboxers Schlomo and MC Zani. 

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