Mens & Machine

Daan Kluwer received a grant to develop new music. In this project, he explores the boundary between acoustic and electronic music, engaging in a dialogue between his saxophone and a modular synthesiser. While electronic effects are often static and pre-programmed, Daan is developing a system that responds to his playing in real time. This creates a unique interaction in which the acoustic and electronic seamlessly merge. Through this research, he aims to discover how technology can become not just an extension of the musician, but a fully-fledged, interactive band member. An innovative experiment at the intersection of human and machine.

With his expressive sound, lyrical improvisations, and narrative compositions, saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Daan Kluwer is regarded as one of the promising talents in the Dutch music scene. In 2023, he graduated cum laude from Codarts Rotterdam and has since been steadily building his career as a sideman and soloist in both large and small ensembles. Daan has performed with leading orchestras such as Jong Metropole, the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NJJO), and the New Composers Pool. He is also active in several jazz ensembles, including his own quartet, Klankpoeder, Where’s Dillie, and the Loet van der Lee Quintet. His work has gained broader recognition: he was featured in the NTR documentary New Generation and was invited as a Jonge Held at the television programme Podium Klassiek.