Bram van Sambeek (1980) is principal bassoonist of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, a position he has filled since 2002. His playing has made a deep impression on both audience and critics: ‘Gorgeous bassoon solo in Ravels Alborada del Gracioso’, The Guardian wrote, and the NRC praised: ‘Bassoonist Bram van Sambeek demonstrated his great soloist class in Heitor Villa Lobos’ Ciranda das sete notas.’

As a freelancer, he has performed with such orchestras as the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Mahler Chamber Orchestra and the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande. Since 2008, Bram plays regularly as principal bassoonist with the London Symphony Orchestra.

Bram van Sambeek often appears as a soloist both in the Netherlands and abroad. After his debut recital in the Amsterdam Concertgebouw in 2003, he appeared as a soloist with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra with a performance of Mozart’s Bassoon Concerto under Mark Wigglesworth, and Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante under Arnold Östman. In the Kremlin in Moscow he appeared with the Kremlin Chamber Orchestra in (most probably) Rossini’s recently rediscovered Bassoon Concerto. Lately he played concertos by Villa Lobos, Mozart and Gubaidulina, all with renowned orchestras.