Chris Nicolai

Chris Nicolai (2002) is a horn player. From 2011 to 2021, he received horn lessons from Oeds Jongsma. Currently, he is studying at the Prins Claus Conservatory under Frank Brouns. From 2016 to 2021, Chris also took piano and theory lessons at the Ferwerda Academy in Drachten from Rein Albert Ferwerda.

Chris plays in various orchestras and ensembles. He is a regular member of the Dutch Youth Orchestra. Additionally, he frequently substitutes in other orchestras such as the North Netherlands Orchestra. He has participated multiple times in the Klank fan Fryslân and the Princess Christina Competition, achieving commendable performances and winning several awards. In 2020, Chris was one of the 7 finalists in the regional finals of the Princess Christina Competition in the northern region. He also participated in the auditions for Classic Young Masters and, following a successful audition, was awarded the honorable title of laureate by a professional jury. As a result, he was also invited to participate in the masterclass, where he received the Loyens and Loeff Award.

Chris is also involved in composition. In 2020, he received the Chimaera Prize at the Princess Christina Composition Competition with his composition "Yuki-onna." Additionally, he arranges a wide variety of music for different ensembles and orchestras, such as the Dutch Student Orchestra.