about: composer
Bio
Maya Verlaak is a Belgian composer (Ghent, 1990). For her, composing is research and communication. Each new assignment starts with a critical analysis. She develops new techniques for each situation and never takes anything for granted. Sharing the creative process is important to her, which is why she develops new notation systems for each commission. Experimental methods for better communication are central to her work. The works are intended to create space for critical thinking.
Maya has been commissioned worldwide by ensembles and soloists such as Ensemble Klang (NL), Asko|Schönberg ensemble (NL), Hermes Ensemble (BE), A.pe.ri.od.ic (US), Post-Music ensemble (DE), IEMA – Ensemble Modern (D), Apartment House (UK), Ensemble Interface (D), LCollective (US), London Sinfonietta (UK), Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (UK), An Assembly (UK), Ensemble x.y (UK) and by Karin de Fleyt (B), Mark Knoop (UK), Sarah Saviet (D), Thomas Moore (B), Kate Ledger (UK) and many others.
Her music has been released by Ensemble Klang Records (Vanishing Point, 2024), Birmingham Record Company (Trace, 2024) (Tape Piece, 2020), Another Timbre (All English Music is Greensleeves, 2020) and NMC Recordings, London (Next Wave, 2014)
Maya studied composition at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague. In 2015 she was awarded a 4-year scholarship by the AHRC Midlands3Cities Doctoral Training Partnership and in 2019 she completed her PhD at Birmingham City University (UK). She is a member of iii in The Hague, founder of the English concert series Post-Paradise and the Dutch Acid Police Noise Ensemble. Since 2018 she has been a senior lecturer in composition at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.
