Jisse Kuipers Wins KNMO National Championship 2025

Jisse Kuipers, third from the right, with the other winners and jury, including Pierre Volders.

Last weekend, 15-year-old trombonist Jisse Kuipers triumphed at the KNMO (Koninklijke Nederlandse Muziek Organisatie) National Championship performing John Mackey’s Harvest Concert for Trombone, taking home the title in the first division for brass soloists. His standout performance earned top marks from the jury and further cemented his status as one of the most promising young musicians in the Netherlands.

The win adds to a growing list of achievements for Kuipers. In 2024, he won the prestigious 16th Koninklijk Concertgebouw Concours, earning a €1,000 prize and a performance slot at the Grachtenfestival. His interpretation and stage presence left a deep impression on both jury and audience.

Kuipers has also excelled in regional competitions. At the FMDT solistenconcours, he scored 96 points, qualifying him for the Klank & Slach fan Fryslân, which he also won, this time with 97 points. These consistent high scores underline his technical mastery and musical sensitivity well beyond his age.

In interviews, Kuipers shared that he began playing the trombone at age seven. Originally drawn to the bass trombone, he switched to tenor due to his young age and size. He now practices a few hours a day where possible, balancing music with his studies. His musical roots run deep: both parents played brass instruments, and his sister played trumpet.

Looking ahead, Kuipers will perform the Harvest Concerto at the World Music Contest 2026 with Fanfare band Psalm 150 with conductor Tijmen Botma. Furthermore, he dreams of studying at a conservatory in the Netherlands or abroad. With his current trajectory, that dream seems well within reach.

For all the results, click here.