Composer Coen Schenk started playing a musical instrument at the age of nine, and began composing at the age of thirteen. After first completing an education in interior design, he turned to composition and studied at the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague (The Netherlands) and the University of Gothenburg (Sweden).

Schenk’s work investigates the expressive possibilities of music; the ability to express ideas or thoughts in music. Music is a language, but because it lacks the literal meaning of words, the subjects that can be expressed in music are different from spoken language. With its suggestive nature music lends itself particularly well to communicate in images, forms, movements and spheres - from abstract to physical - with the ability to evoke feelings and emotions.

In addition, various forms, models and genres have emerged in the development of music, which have greatly increased the expressive possibilities. All this together is the playing field on which Schenks’ compositions are created.

Schenks’ work includes compositions for orchestra, ensemble, chamber music (such as string trio, wind quintet and percussion) and piano solo. He collaborated with various ensembles and orchestras including Ensemble Modelo 62, Orkest de Ereprijs, Chamber orchestra Musica Vitae, Ensemble för Ny Musik, Ysaÿe Trio and pianists Tobias Borsboom, Susanne Kessel and Jonas Ollson. He has a long term collaboration with pianists Viktor Yuandong Mattsson and Eke Simons. Simons gave the premieres of the Twee Bagatellen and the piece Recital #1, specially written for her. Mattsson premiered Koraal & Boogie and Three pieces from Schetsen. With the Norwegian composer Erik Stifjell he founded the international composers collective Lüdkamer.

Schenks’ pieces have been performed at festivals and concerts in France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, China, Japan and the United States. Schenk is also a music publisher and active as an organizer of concerts.

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