Marike van Dijk: Thús

Versatile saxophonist draws from her Frisian background for the BIMHUIS Composition Assignment 2026 with an international ensemble and choir.

Marike van Dijk presents Thús, written on behalf of BIMHUIS Productions. In this, she reflects on her Frisian roots and the language and human voice are central. For the BIMHUIS Composition Assignment 2026, she assembled a sextet with members from her various home fronts, spread across different oceans. The texts are sung by band members and a choir led by Sanne Huijbregts.

Marike van Dijk is currently working on her PhD in composition in Brisbane, Australia. For years she alternated between New York and the Netherlands and built a brilliant reputation as a saxophonist, composer, and arranger. Since 2010 she has released several albums for which she composed herself. For her ensemble The Stereography Project, she arranged works by The Beatles and songwriters Jeff Taylor and Katell Keineg. As a saxophonist, she played in the European Jazz Orchestra, Jazzorchestra of the Concertgebouw, and New Cool Collective Bigband.

‘Marike van Dijk’s writing has an organic quality; balanced and seems to find ratios and combinations that are based in nature. I find her music very intuitive and feel that she has great honesty. This record will be just another step in a long career of composing.’ (Gil Goldstein, pianist and arranger).

Marike van Dijk saxophone, Kristin Berardi vocals, Josh Dion drums/vocals, Tony Roe keys, Sanne Huijbrechts vibraphone/vocals, Pat Cleaver bass, choir vocals