Born in the Netherlands in 1971. Started playing tenor saxophone at the age of 11 under the inspiring guidance of Willy van Diepen. Co-founder of Blues band Cuban Heals at the age of 15, Finalist in the battle of the Bands 1988 with death metal formation Bastards of the Universe. Studied classical and contemporary saxophone with Arno Bornkamp, and studied at the Banff Centre for the Arts on full scholarship in the winter of 1998. 

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Passionate about his pioneer work on tenor saxophone, with more than 50 commissions for solo tenor saxophone and two Super Audio CDs with repertoire for tenor saxophone and piano. Always focussing on chamber music, with a 17 year apprenticeship in the Aurelia Saxophone Quartet, in preparation for making the Clinch Quartet an International success.

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Admirers of his work a plenty, including Valeri Gergiev, Branford Marsalis and Bennie Waanders.

 

Niels resides in the hills just outside Yarragon, with his lovely wife Dr. Christina Flann, amazing wonderboy Oscar and cat Missy, who has shown no appreciation whatsoever for classical music on saxophone.