Joris Roelofs (1984) began studying classical clarinet at the age of six and added the alto sax at age twelve. After earning his master’s degree from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in 2007, he recorded his debut album, Introducing Joris Roelofs (2008). Since then, he has released several albums both as a sideman and as a bandleader. He has performed with artists such as Brad Mehldau, Lionel Loueke, Meg Stuart, and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra. For ten years, he collaborated with the legendary drummer Han Bennink. Roelofs’ most recent musical project, Red Flag, consists of works he performs solo on bass clarinet, making a powerful statement about the role of music in social change. Through improvised interpretations of protest songs, battle hymns, and folk songs, he creates a unique musical experience. Roelofs chairs the jazz clarinet department at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, where he teaches a master’s-level course on music and philosophy.
