Dutch conductor (1954–2022)
Henrie Adams (June 12, 1954 - November 26, 2022) was a Dutch conductor known for his significant contributions to the world of symphonic wind band music. He played a pioneering role in this field and was recognized as an influential figure. Throughout his career, Adams collaborated with prestigious symphonic wind bands across Europe and worked alongside prominent composers in the international wind music landscape, such as Johan de Meij and Thomas Trachsel. He premiered, recorded, and promoted compositions that have since become fundamental pillars of the wind band symphonic repertoire.
Much of Adams' career was marked by his long-standing artistic relationship with the symphonic band "La Artística" from Buñol, Valencia, Spain. Over 30 years of fruitful collaboration, Adams and the ensemble achieved an impressive array of awards and global recognition, including the highest prize in the top category of the WMC (2001, Kerkrade). He was also the principal conductor of the Castellón Symphony Orchestra (2008-2022) and worked as a guest conductor with the Banda Municipal de Barcelona.
Adams' contribution to the international culture of wind symphony bands is also evident through his extensive discography, comprising more than 40 CD recordings that have left a lasting influence on the international music scene.
Biography.
Born in Thorn, the Netherlands, he began his musical journey as an oboist before transitioning to conducting. He followed both major studies at Maastricht Conservatory, guided by mentors such as Antón Kersjes, Lucas Vis, and Pierre Kuijpers. He also received mentorship from notable figures like Pierre Devaux and the acclaimed Spanish conductor Enrique García Asensio.
Adams' career as a conductor began in 1985 when he assumed the position of principal conductor of the Chamber Orchestra "Sinfonietta" of Maastricht. Additionally, he conducted the Symphonic Band La Unión of Heythuysen and the Eendracht of Meyel. He was also invited to collaborate with international orchestras, including the Royal Symphonic Band of The Hague, the Symphonic Band of Les Guides in Brussels, the International Blazerwoche St. Moritz in Switzerland, the Youth Band of the Community of Castilla y León, the Orchestra of the Conservatory of Santiago de Compostela, the Portland Festival Orchestra in the United States, the Banda Municipal of Madrid, the Symphonic Band of A Coruña and Alicante, as well as the Symphonic Orchestras of Limburg, Extremadura, and Bilbao.
In 1989, Adams accepted the position of conductor of the Orchestra and Symphonic Band of La Artística of Buñol. For three decades, this role became the centerpiece of his career, resulting in a fruitful and enduring collaboration that garnered numerous awards - like the highest award in the highest category at the WMC in 2001-, honorable mentions, and a prolific discography. He also conducted world premieres of works for band, such as Teo Aparicio-Barberán's "States of Mind", his second symphony for band, and Johan de Meij's Symphony No. 3 "Planet Earth", a choral symphony with women's choir, both 2007, and Marc van Delft's "Celebration Symphony", Op. 140, in 2008. Thomas Trachsel dedicated his Symphonie No. 2 "von der Angst unserer Zeit" to Adams, who conducted the international premiere in April 2009.
Adams also played a crucial role in the formation of new ensembles and in the education of young musicians. As the principal conductor of the Young Orchestra of the Valencian Community from 1992 to 1999, he significantly contributed to the orchestra's foundation and the development of young talents. He also taught numerous courses in orchestra conducting in places like Madrid, Lalin, Tenerife, Buñol, Milan, Madeira, and Rotterdam.
From 2008 until his passing, Adams assumed the Principal Conductor position of the Castellón Symphony Orchestra. In 2013, he also took on the role of conductor of the Symphonic Band Santa Cecilia of Chelva.
In 2014, he was awarded the Amstel Music Award for his innovative work in the field of band music, which has led to numerous world premieres, radio broadcasts, and recordings invaluable to the band scene, both in Spain and the rest of the world.
In 2017, he was appointed Guest Conductor of the Barcelona Municipal Band. Adams was also frequently invited to serve as a juror in renowned competitions and auditions.
Adams passed away in November 2022 after a prolonged illness, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of wind symphonic music.
Discography.
For Beriato Music.
[Link to the complete CD catalog]
References.
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