Graduated with high honors from the Utrecht Conservatory in 1995 and subsequently completed his studies at the Conservatoire Superieur National of Paris.  Has participated in master classes given by such artists as Heinrich Schiff, Mstislav Rostropovitch and Siegfried Palm.  In 1991 he won first prize at the S.J.M.N. competition. In 1991 he formed the Escher Trio which has since performed throughout Europe and America. In 2002 the Escher Trio was awarded the Theodor Rogier prize at the prestigious ARD competition in Munich, Germany.  He  has held the principal cello position of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.  He is honored to play a cello created in 1687 by the Cremonese master Francesco Ruggieri.  This cello is owned by the Concertgebouw Orchestra Instrument Collection, generously made possible by private donations. Member of the Linari Festival Trio. Performed at the Festival in 2006, 2007, 2010, 2012, 2014.