Eke Simons’ Bio
Eke Simons is a Dutch concert pianist known for her expressive, passionate playing combined with a high level of technical mastery. Her performances are marked by intensity and refinement, making her a sought-after soloist. While she does not limit herself to one specific era, her musical preferences lie in the Romantic repertoire, early 20th-century works, and contemporary compositions.
Eke regularly performs as a soloist and chamber musician on prestigious stages across Europe. In the Netherlands, she has appeared at venues such as the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ, Tivoli Vredenburg, and Royal Theatre Carré, as well as at renowned festivals including the Grachtenfestival and Wonderfeel. Her performances are not confined to large concert halls – she has also given numerous concerts in smaller, more intimate settings.
“The courage with which Simons shapes the immense contrasts in mood within this piece commands deep respect, and clearly reveals that we are dealing with a colossal talent.” – Opus Klassiek (The Netherlands) [on Schumann’s Fantasie, Op. 17]
Collaboration
Her collaborations with internationally acclaimed musicians – including Harro Ruijsenaars, Dag Achatz, Colin Currie, and members of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra – as well as conductors such as Mike Fentross and Christian Karlsen, reflect her versatility as an artist. She has also performed with larger ensembles like the New European Ensemble and the Netherlands Chamber Choir, and is frequently featured in radio and television broadcasts, including programs on Radio 4.
Eke has performed in a wide range of countries, from the Netherlands and Germany to Sweden and Italy. She has played for the royal families of both the Netherlands and Sweden, and contributed behind the scenes to television programs such as De Tiende van Tijl. Her discography includes several recordings, among them her solo album, which received critical acclaim, and The Collectors, a duo album featuring commissioned works for piano and percussion.
Eke Simons earned her Master’s degree in Solo Piano at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, later continuing her studies in Brussels. She began her musical training at an early age and was admitted to the Young Talent Division of the conservatory at fifteen. The teachers who had the greatest impact on her artistic development were Geoffrey Douglas Madge and Han-Louis Meijer.