Diederik Smulders is a versatile cellist who enjoys a diverse repertoire on his music stand, ranging from baroque to jazz and from solo to orchestral works. He graduated cum laude and with distinction from the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague, studying under Lucia Swarts. Diederik completed his bachelor’s degree at the Fontys Conservatoire in Tilburg with Paul Uyterlinde. During his studies in The Hague, he participated in a specialization program in modern music with the Asko|Schönberg Ensemble and the New European Ensemble. Currently, he resides in The Hague.
As a freelance cellist, Diederik has performed with various orchestras and ensembles, including the Asko|Schönberg Ensemble, the Residentie Orkest, the Balletorkest, the Metropole Orkest, Cello Octet Amsterdam, and Kamerata Zuid. He also appeared in the orchestra of the popular television program Maestro. During his studies, he was a member of the National Youth Orchestra of The Netherlands and served as principal cellist of the Young Metropole Orchestra.
As a soloist at the Spring Festival in The Hague, Diederik performed the cello concerto Last Words by Martijn Padding, accompanied by members of the Ensemble Academy and conductor Gregory Charette. He also had the honor of performing the world premiere of Vlad Chlek’s cello concerto Möbius Strip, accompanied by the Brabant Chamber Orchestra.
Diederik plays a cello built by Annelies Steinhauer, made available by the Nationaal Muziekinstrumenten Fonds. His bow was made by L. Morizot.
