The Conservatorium van Amsterdam to announce that our very own saxophonist and CvA teacher Arno Bornkamp has been appointed Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau in recognition of his contribution to the international music world and professional music education. This is a wonderful crowning achievement of a career spanning almost forty years, during which he has repeatedly amazed the music world, training and inspiring countless students at a high level.

'Even in times when the value of culture is under discussion, Arno never gives in to that tendency,' said Pierre Volders, Head of Woodwinds, Brass and Conducting at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. 'He is always looking for new ways to inspire others to keep going with something that ultimately no one can turn away from creating beautiful music, making people happy, and seeking connection. This feeling is always there when you work with him, making him an outstanding personality within the international music world.'

Arno Bornkamp is known as a versatile and passionate storyteller on his instrument. He is acclaimed for his energetic and stylish interpretations of compositions ranging from the standard saxophone repertoire to new, often commissioned concerts. He studied with Ed Boogaard at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, graduating with the highest possible distinction in 1986. Additionally, he studied with the French saxophone legends Daniël Deffayet and Jean-Marie Londeix. Together with Johan van der Linden, André Arends and Willem van Merwijk, he founded the Aurelia Saxophone Quartet (1982-2017), making string quartet literature, such as the quartets by Debussy and Ravel, accessible to the saxophone quartet. More recently, Bornkamp has started working with younger musicians: the Voyager Trio with cellist Pamela Smits and pianist Tobias Borsboom, the Duo Calvadoré with the Flemish pianist Jan Lust, and the Pannonica Saxophone Quartet, which specializes in playing Argentine tango. As a soloist, Arno also has performed the world over.

Since 1895 Arno Bornkamp has led the saxophone class at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, which is renowned for its exceptional high level. Students from this class make international careers as musicians and regularly win prizes at prestigious international competitions, not only as soloists, but also with the string quartets they form during their studies, such as the MAAT Saxophone Quartet, the Ebonit Saxophone Quartet, the Ardemus Saxophone Quartet and the Dokwerk Saxophone Quartet.

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