Willem Breuker Prize 2026: Oscar Jan Hoogland
Special recognition for pianist, music innovator, and key figure in the Amsterdam improv scene.
The biennial Willem Breuker Prize is intended for someone who shows affinity with the groundbreaking, inventive way of working of Dutch music phenomenon Willem Breuker. This year the prize goes to improviser, pianist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer Oscar Jan Hoogland, who previously performed with us in formations such as Minute Made Music, The Ambush Party, and the quartet EHBO with Ernst Glerum, Han Bennink, and Benjamin Herman.
‘For Oscar Jan Hoogland, the world is his playground,’ says the jury. ‘He is a pianist, but also a multi-instrumentalist. Instruments that do not yet exist, he makes himself. An evening with Oscar Jan cannot be described in advance. Movement and change are key concepts. He knows how to lead you astray, but always ensures that you eventually arrive at a beautiful destination. His musical existence coincides with his philosophy of life: all people are equal, no elites, no hierarchies, working together shoulder to shoulder. He is a master at depicting the tragicomic side of life, touches you deeply in the heart, and prompts reflection. And he can make you laugh terribly (and sometimes cry).’
Oscar Jan Hoogland & Tim van Dongen: Piano Pendulum Oscar Jan Hoogland piano, Tim van Dongen piano
Screening: Willem Breuker film
Duo Hoogland Bennink Oscar Jan Hoogland piano, Han Bennink drums
Performance by students of Hoogland from the mime department of the Academy for Theatre and Dance, Amsterdam.
Oscar Jan Hoogland, Ab Baars, Marcus Warnheim, Ada Rave, Mola Sylla, Semere Welday, Mary Oliver, Harald Austbø, Björk Semey & Jannes Deurvorst Oscar Jan Hoogland piano/electric clavichord, Ab Baars tenor saxophone/clarinet, Marcus Warnheim alto saxophone/clarinet, Ada Rave tenor saxophone, Mola Sylla vocals/xalam/m’bira, Semere Welday vocals/krar, Mary Oliver violin/viola, Harald Austbø cello, Björk Semey double bass/bass guitar, Jannes Deurvorst drums
