Sebastian Huydts

Sebastian Huydts (b. 1966) was already a rising star in the musical world when he came from his native Amsterdam to attend the University of Chicago in the early ’90s. His piano studies with Edith Grosz and Rian de Waal at the Sweelinck Conservatory brought him performances throughout Northern Europe as a recitalist, soloist, and chamber player. Since arriving at Chicago, his focus has been largely toward composition, for which he has been in increasing demand. His mentors have included John Eaton, Andrew Imbrie, Shulamit Ran, and Jay Alan Yim. Huydts has received commissions from the DuPage Symphony Orchestra, the Rembrandt Chamber Players, and the Rhijnauwen Chamber Music Festival, and premieres by the University of Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Contemporary Chamber Players. In 1995, his Concerto for Piano and Double String Orchestra was awarded the Paul and Olga Menn prize for original compositions. Since completing his formal education, Sebastian Huydts has worked throughout the city including teaching positions at Lake Forest College, Northwestern University, and the Merit Music Program. He has been Artist-in-Residence at Chicago’s Columbia College since 1998 and has served as Composer-in-Residence for the Music in the Loft concert series and the new music ensemble CUBE.