Climate Composer

“We do not have a Planet B” -- Ban-Ki Moon

Every day, there is a climate change event in the news. It is clear we need to move now, but how? Tim’s journey is about finding ways to reach people’s hearts as well as their minds, and to inspire them for action for the planet. For his new piece “Kosmos”, he had intensive conversations with 5 top Dutch scientists from the worlds of Marine biology, Geophysics, Astronomy, Philosophy and String Theory. These will be released as the 5-episode Dutch podcast series “Componeren of Verzuipen” (“Compose or Drown”) by NTR public radio. Tim translated the stories and ideas of the scientists into music, resulting in the orchestral composition for Strings, Winds, Guitar and Percussion, “Kosmos”. Each movement reflects a theme that will make us think and feel, about the sea, deep time, the very small, the very big, and how humans interact. “Kosmos” premieres on 1 June, with 17 young professionals and alumni from the National Youth Orchestra and marine biologist Katja Peijnenburg on stage, at the Oranjewoud Festival in Friesland, NL.

In the pandemic, Kliphuis realised a long-fulfilled wish with the composition of “The Five Elements”. An ode to the Earth and at the same time a wake-up call for humanity, the piece was recorded and premiered in 2020 with the support of arts funds and supporters. 2021 saw “The Five Elements” touring internationally and in October 2022, Tim and his musicians accompanied the Dutch royal couple on their state visit to Stockholm as a gift to the Swedish royal family. In March 2023, the movements Earth and Water opened the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York for the Global Water Summit.

The composer on how the piece was born:

In 2021, Kliphuis was commissioned by NTR Zaterdagmatinee to write a Triple Concerto for Violin, Cello, Piano and Orchestra. “Phoenix Reborn” looks at our history, present and future and raises questions about how we use the earth’s resources. The piece was premiered on 9 October 2021 at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw with Ella van Poucke (cello), Michiel Borstlap (piano) and the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra led by Lawrence Renes. The composer about this project (Dutch):

On 22 September 2022, “Phoenix Reborn” was recorded live for its South-African premiere in Cape Town City Hall, with Peter Martens (cello), Charl du Plessis (piano) and the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra led by Rik Ghesquière. Watch the Second Movement “Reflection” here:

Orchestral commissions

Tim Kliphuis composes for a growing number of orchestras, festivals and ensembles. He has written for The Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, The Hague Philharmonic, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Amsterdam Sinfonietta, Dutch Royal Airforce Orchestra, La Primavera Tatarstan, Cello Biennale Amsterdam, Nederlandse Bachvereniging, Omsk Philharmonic and Cape Town Philharmonic.

The Five Elements, for TIm kliphuis trio, strings, winds and piano

Premiered at Muziekcentrum van de Omroep, Hilversum on 26 September, 2020. Special thanks to Hilversum City Council, SENA Muziekproductie Fonds, Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds, Norma Fonds and financial supporters worldwide.

Brandenburg, for Trio and Chamber orchestra

J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos re-imagined. Commissioned by The Netherlands Chamber Orchestra and premiered at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw on 4 July, 2019

Violin Concerto in D Minor, for Violin and Symphony orchestra

Commissioned by Omsk Philharmonic and premiered at Omsk Philharmonic Hall on 19 May, 2016