Sjoerd van Eijck

Sjoerd van Eijck (Breda, 1992) is a pianist, composer, and educator. He graduated in 2016 from the Tilburg Conservatory, where he was taught by renowned pianists such as Jeroen van Vliet, Rembrandt Frerichs, Harmen Fraanje, and Wolfert Brederode.

Over recent years, Van Eijck has developed into a distinctive voice within the Dutch jazz scene. His lyrical style of playing is characterized by a classical approach to the piano, a refined touch, and a rich palette of tonal colors. In both his compositions and improvisations, melody, sound, and space take center stage, naturally blending influences from classical music, free improvisation, and contemporary jazz.

In 2021, he released his debut album Aurora with his quartet OAK—comprising trumpeter Koen Smits, bassist Nathan Wouters, and drummer Willem Romers—on the ZenneZ Records label. The album was well received by the press, audiences, and venue programmers alike. With their follow-up album Eight, OAK continued along this artistic path. Nominated in 2024 for an Edison Jazz Audience Award, the album solidified the quartet's position within Dutch jazz. OAK is known for its distinctive musical language, combining influences from classical music, Nordic jazz, minimal music, and free improvisation into an intimate and layered sound.

Alongside OAK, Van Eijck forms the trio Mudita together with trumpeter Koen Smits and singer Sanne Rambags. He has recorded two albums with this ensemble, including Listen to the Sound of the Forest, which was awarded an Edison Jazz Award.

As a sideman, Van Eijck has collaborated with numerous leading musicians from both the Netherlands and abroad. For instance, he was part of the Efraïm Trujillo Quartet and HOTSPOT, the band led by Eric Vloeimans.

Recently, Van Eijck expanded his international activities through a new collaboration with German cellist Jörg Brinkmann and Norwegian drummer Jarle Vespestad. This resulted in the album Pegasus, where lyricism, improvisation, and chamber music refinement come together, adding a fresh chapter to the trio's artistic journey.

In addition to his work in the jazz scene, Van Eijck has been the regular pianist for singer Dennis van Aarssen for several years. Together, they have performed in numerous theater productions, concerts, and international tours across Europe. In recent years, Van Aarssen has emerged as one of the most successful Dutch crooners of his generation, boasting multiple Edison Jazz Awards, sold-out shows at home and abroad, and a rapidly growing international career.

Alongside his work as a performing musician, Van Eijck is active as an educator. He serves as a principal piano lecturer at the Tilburg Conservatory and also teaches piano at De Nieuwe Veste in Breda.

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