Ben van Gelder

Ben van Gelder presents The Whole Wide World Is Round at LantarenVenster, a world premiere created as the North Sea Jazz composition commission for 2026. The Dutch alto saxophonist and composer is widely regarded as one of the leading jazz musicians of his generation, with a career shaped by early prizes, a formative decade in New York and collaborations with names such as Mark Turner, Joe Sanders and Ambrose Akinmusire.

For this new work, Van Gelder looks back at fifty years of North Sea Jazz history and the people who helped shape the music. Memory sits at the heart of the project, from his own childhood above his father’s Groningen record shop Swingmaster to the lasting impact of Abbey Lincoln, whose 1981 festival performance made a deep impression on his mother.

The piece combines new compositions with visuals by Tony Roe and archive footage connected to Van Gelder’s father. He is joined by Nelson Veras on guitar, Martin Nevin on double bass, Craig Weinrib on drums, Peter Schlamb on vibraphone and special guest Gideon van Gelder on piano.

Details
Event: Ben van Gelder: world premiere North Sea Jazz composition commission 2026
Work: The Whole Wide World Is Round
Date: Thursday 9 July 2026
Time: 20:00
Location: LantarenVenster, Rotterdam
Tickets: €21, including €3 service costs per ticket
Seating: Seated concert, free seat choice
Music: Jazz
Presented by: LantarenVenster and North Sea Round Town