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The Royal Wind Music

Renaissance music as you’ve never heard it before — performed on a unique collection of Renaissance recorders

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Who are we

The Royal Wind Music

We are The Royal Wind Music, a vibrant international ensemble bringing Renaissance and early music to life—entirely from memory and without a conductor! Founded in 1997 by Paul Leenhouts, all members are alumni of the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, combining skill, passion, and a playful stage presence.

We perform on an astonishing collection of Renaissance recorders, from tiny sopraninos to a nearly three-metre-long sub-contrabass, crafted by leading makers in the Netherlands, Canada, and Germany. Modelled on historical examples, these instruments let us explore the rich and colourful sound world of the Renaissance.

Our performances have taken us to major concert halls and festivals across Europe, the US, and Mexico, and our music has been broadcast worldwide. Our repertoire spans Renaissance music from across Europe, with occasional Baroque and modern adventures.

Recent highlights include Gratia Plena (2023), inspired by Hans Memling’s Annunciation, and The Orpheus of Amsterdam (2024). Engaging, colourful, and full of energy, we aim to turn early music into an unforgettable experience.

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Programme Highlights

Season 2026-28

Lamentation & Celebration

Discover the vibrant melodies of the Renaissance, from chansons and madrigals by Josquin, Gombert, Frescobaldi to diminutions inspired by Ganassi’s La Fontegara. The programme combines historic ornamentation with a newly commissioned work by Raivis Misjuns, celebrating the enduring power of European polyphony.

The Orpheus of Amsterdam

Experience the masterworks of Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck, the ‘Orpheus of Amsterdam’. The ensemble brings his keyboard and vocal music to life, blending Renaissance polyphony with our signature sound. Psalms, fantasias, and intricate instrumental works are reimagined, revealing the brilliance of Holland’s most celebrated composer.

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Become a Friend

Join our Circle of Friends Today

Why your friendship matters

Private support is vital in today’s climate. Your donations help ensure our projects, concerts, and recordings continue, sharing the joy of Renaissance music with audiences of all ages.

How You Can Help

Annual donation levels:

  • €50 – Newsletter for Friends
  • €100 – Newsletter + exclusive discounts
  • €250 – All of the above + welcome CD + all new releases
  • €1000 – All of the above + free concert tickets

One-off donations are welcome: Donate here →

Joining is Easy

To become a Friend, simply fill in this form with your details and chosen donation amount, and email it to vrienden@royalwindmusic.org. We look forward to welcoming you!

Membership in the Circle of Friends is ongoing. Your chosen donation will be automatically collected via direct debit, with no further action required. Prefer to transfer your donation yourself? Email vrienden@royalwindmusic.org with your details and amount, and we’ll invite you to make a voluntary donation once a year.

Tax Benefits

The Royal Wind Music Foundation has ANBI status (Public Benefit Organisation). Donations made to an ANBI are tax-deductible for Dutch income or corporate tax. For more information, visit the Belastingdienst website.

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