Ellister van der Molen is a gifted trumpeter and flugelhorn player who was accepted into the Royal Conservatory of The Hague’s classical pre-college program at the age of ten—on the condition that she would give up jazz. Despite this, her lyrical voice and deep musicality eventually secured her a prominent place on the European jazz scene.
In 2014, she released “Smalls NYC”, which earned her and her quartet a coveted slot at the North Sea Jazz Festival. The following year, she returned as a featured soloist with the legendary Spok Frevo Orchestra. Since then, she has performed globally and is a distinguished member of both the Concertgebouw Jazz Orchestra and the newly formed Amsterdam Art Orchestra (established in 2023).
Her musical journey has taken her to prestigious stages worldwide: Banyan Tree World Jazz (India), Samui Summer Jazz (Thailand), Natura Jazz (Tenerife), Szczecin Jazz (Poland), Joy of Jazz (South Africa), and more. Ellister’s sound, especially on her beloved flugelhorn, is warm, rich, and emotionally resonant. As she once said: “I actually like it when things aren’t perfect.”
Femke Mooren is a 22-year-old saxophonist based in Rotterdam, known for her warm, expressive tone and clear musical voice. Leading her own quartet, she brings original compositions that balance lush melodies with thoughtful improvisation.
In 2023, she won the Princess Christina Jazz Concours and received the Women in Jazz Award. The jury praised her work for its clarity, dynamic energy, and balanced group interplay. Having recently completed her jazz saxophone studies at Codarts Rotterdam, Femke continues developing her style, drawing inspiration from Brian Blade Fellowship, Immanuel Wilkins, and Cannonball Adderley.
Her performance career is rapidly expanding, including work with the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (featuring Maite Hontelé) and an upcoming appearance with the New Jazz Orchestra.
Jazz critic Cyriel Pluimakers wrote:
“Mooren composes her own music and has a distinct, unmistakable alto sax tone. Her phrasing is masterful, and her playing is remarkably bold and focused.”
Together, Ellister and Femke form a dynamic musical partnership, combining original works with tributes to jazz legends, while continuously exploring new territory and pushing stylistic boundaries. They are joined by two leading figures from the Dutch jazz scene: Marius Beets on double bass, pianist Chris Muller and Sven Rozier on drums.
