The Amsterdam Conservatory is bursting with young, passionate musicians who experiment freely and launch new initiatives. From late May to late June, our stage is the setting for these Rough Diamonds, with two bands per evening, free and open to the public. Tonight’s performers:

Joep Grotendorst Quartet

Winners of the 2025 Prinses Christina Jazz Concours, and deservedly so: the jury described them as “a quartet with a very unique voice and interplay at an exceptionally high level.” The Joep Grotendorst Quartet connects the jazz tradition with contemporary influences, with original compositions as a starting point for musical exploration. The strength lies in collective interplay; four friends telling their musical story together.

Joep Grotendorst tenor sax, Evan van der Feen piano, Veerle van der Wal bass, Frits Steeghs drums

brukle & Chamber Ensemble

Karlīna Priedēna — who releases her music under the name brukle — is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and composer who brings Latvian cultural influences to Amsterdam. With her chamber ensemble of jazz and classical musicians, she builds dreamy sonic worlds where song and melody take centre stage.

Karlīna Priedēna vocals/guitar/compositions, Francisco Garrido guitar, Micheal Murray alto sax, Nick van der Woude clarinet/bass clarinet, Valentina Real Goñi viola, Esther Coolstra viola, Sara Guidoleen cello