Mathieu van Bellen - Violin

Mathieu van Bellen is a renowned Dutch violinist, celebrated for his velvety tone and musical depth. He performs worldwide as a soloist and chamber musician and is the violinist of the internationally acclaimed Busch Trio. Alongside his performance career, he is a dedicated mentor and artistic leader.

Mathieu began his violin studies with Nico Baltussen, followed by training in the Young Talent Class of the Conservatorium van Amsterdam with Jan Repko. He continued his education at Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester, the Royal College of Music in London with Itzhak Rashkovsky (Bachelor), and the Hochschule für Musik in Berlin with Ulf Wallin (Master). He was also an Artist in Residence with the Busch Trio at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel in Waterloo.

He has performed in prestigious venues such as the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and Wigmore Hall in London and has built an extensive discography. Together with pianist Mathias Halvorsen, Mathieu arranges operas for violin and piano. Their arrangement of *La Bohème* received critical acclaim, and their CD was named *Chamber Music Choice of the Month* by *BBC Music Magazine*.

Mathieu serves as concertmaster of Phion and teaches violin and chamber music at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Additionally, he also manages MuziekHaven in Zaandam.

He is the founder and artistic director of the Scaldis Chamber Music Festival in Zeeland and the artistic director of the Reizend MuziekGezelschap.

In 2017, Mathieu was named an honorary citizen of Hulst, his hometown. He plays the historic *ex-Adolf Busch* violin, crafted by Giovanni Battista Guadagnini in 1783, and a bow by Dominique Peccatte, instruments that enhance the warmth and expressiveness of his sound.

His musicianship, dedication to quality, and leadership make Mathieu van Bellen a prominent figure in the international classical music scene.