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SCAPINO BALLET & MICHIEL BORSTLAP

BIOGRAPHY

In 1992 Borstlap completed his studies with highest honors at the Conservatory in Hilversum, where he received piano lessons from Dutch masters like Henk Elkerbout and Rob Madna. He won the first prize as soloist at the Europe Jazz Contest in Brussels.

In 1996 he received for his composition "Memory of Enchantment", the prestigious American Thelonious Monk / BMI Composers Award. Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter recorded this song for their album 1+1, and it also formed an integral part of the repertoire during their various world tours. A year later, the pianist signed an exclusive recording contract with Verve.

In 2003 he was commissioned by the Emir of Qatar invited to compose the first ever Arab opera Avicenna, and wrote the book 'Opera in Qatar', which was published by Uitgeverij van Oorschot. Michiel wrote the book in Sicily, Italy, where he resided for a month.

In 2007 Michiel teamed up with Canadian singer Gino Vannelli and played together in Montreal, Moscow, a series of concerts in Italy, Canada, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

In 2008 he did extensive tours with fame British drummer Bill Bruford. That year he received the prestigious Gouden Kalf for his music in the film Tiramisu, directed by Paula van der Oest.

In 2009 Michiel Borstlap won an Edison

2010 marked a turning point in the career of the pianist as he produced only solo albums.

2010 - SOLO 2010

2011 - Blue (Songs From Father to Daughter)

2013 - Reflective

2014 - Frames

2016 - Live at the Arena

2017 - Velvet

2018 - Georg

2019 - The Power of Music

2020 - #Home (Solo Piano Works)

Throughout the years Michiel has been ambassador for Swiss watchmaker IWC and German grand-piano maker Steinway & Sons.

Michiel Borstlap performed in 92 countries.

Collaborations includes Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Bill Bruford, Gino Vannelli, Assala Nasri, Ludovico Einaudi, Scapino Ballet, Lavinia Meijer, and recently with Joris Voorn.