Marike van Dijk presents her new composition Thús, commissioned by BIMHUIS Productions. In her BIMHUIS Composition Assignment 2026 she reflects on her Frisian roots, focusing on the language and the human voice. For this occasion she formed a sextet featuring, alongside herself, members from the various places she calls home. The lyrics will be sung by band members plus a choir led by Sanne Huijbregts.

Currently in Brisbane, Australia for a PhD in composition, Dutch saxophonist/composer/arranger Marike van Dijk has divided her time working and living between New York and the Netherlands over recent years. Since 2010 she has released several albums for which she composed herself. For her ensemble The Stereography Project she arranged work by, among others, The Beatles and songwriters Jeff Taylor and Katell Keineg. As a saxophonist she performed in big bands such as 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 en arrangeur).

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

The BIMHUIS Composition Assignment is created with support by Ammodo Art & AFK.