Biography

Jurre Haanstra studied composition at the Rotterdam Conservatory with Theo Loevendie and conducting with Jan Stulen and André Presser. Powered by his own compositions, his quartet he won the International Loosdrecht Jazz Contest in 1971.

He has composed and conducted many scores for film and television, including successful Dutch TV series such as De brug (1990) (The Bridge), Wij Alexander (1998) (We Alexander) and _ "Verdriet van België, Het" (1994) (mini)_ (The Sorrow Of Belgium), Claude Goretta's film of the trilogy by Hugo Claus. His music for the popular Dutch detective series Baantjer (1995) features harmonica player Jean 'Toots' Thielemans as guest soloist. Haanstra continues to supervise the music for the entire series. Thielemans has featured twice before as soloist in earlier feature film soundtracks of his, both directed by his father, the late Oscar-winner Bert Haanstra. He has also composed and arranged a complete CD and soundtrack featuring Stan Getz in 1980.

Jurre Haanstra's most recent music score for film was the thriller Claim (2002), starring Billy Zane and Louise Lombard.

In his capacity as arranger and composer he has participated in the production of numerous records, theatre shows and concerts with such distinguished artists as Petula Clark, Falco, Michael Franks, Johnny Griffin, Julian Joseph, Ensemble Roby Lakatos, Michel Petrucciani, Clark Terry, The Rosenberg Trio, Herman van Veen as well as many other reputable Dutch classical, jazz and rock musicians.

Jurre Haanstra also performs as guest conductor of orchestras such as the Residentie Orchestra, the Netherlands Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Netherlands Promenade Orchestra and the Dutch Metropole Orchestra.

Haanstra was awarded an Edison 1981, the Dutch Musical Award 1989 and the Golden Harp 1995.
- IMDb mini biography by: Jurre Haanstra