Renske Vrolijk | Composer

Renske Vrolijk captures the raw complexity of human character through the power of the acoustic instrument.

She describes her work as “documentary music” and “theatrical portraiture.” Whether translating verbatim interviews into a score or subverting 17th-century folklore into a modern anthem, Vrolijk’s goal remains the same: to dismantle the social constructs and psychological frictions that define us, revealing the raw emotional truth that lies underneath.

Her sound is resolutely organic. By stripping away electronic filters, she places the focus entirely on the human voice and the physical texture of the ensemble. The result is a body of work that feels urgent and theatrical, yet rooted in the craft of classical tradition.

Her catalogue spans from the monumental to the intimate. Highlights include the work for choir and orchestra Miserere (commissioned by Philzuid), the theatrical family concert De Neus (commissioned by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra for members of the orchestra), and a growing series of conductor-less chamber portraits, including Loos and Maggie.