Classical trombone / Methodology

Bart Claessens

Classical

Bart Claessens (born 1982) started playing the trombone at the age of eleven after having played the trumpet for several years. He also played the violin for a good number of years. Claessens studied trombone at the Rotterdam Conservatory with George Wiegel. He has had private lessons and participated in masterclasses with some of the greatest trombone players, such as Joseph Alessi, Michel Becquet, Bart van Lier and Christian Lindberg. Claessens joined the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam as a tenor and bass trombonist while still a student in March 2002, and was appointed Principal Trombonist of the orchestra in 2007.

He has travelled all over the world, both with the orchestra and as a teacher. He is always looking for new experiences and inspiration to keep improving his skills, both in playing and teaching. Bart has taught Trombone at Conservatorium Maastricht since 2012.

Apart from being an active member of various (chamber) music ensembles such as the International Trombone Ensemble and the Brass of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, he regularly gives recitals and masterclasses. Claessens has been chairman of ‘Vereniging Het Concertgebouworkest’ and board member of the Orchestra since 2015.