After 32 years of playing together, Calefax has announced that Jelte Althuis will be leaving the renowned reed quintet during the course of this season. Both Althuis and his fellow musicians have expressed their deep regret at his departure. Althuis will continue to play with the ensemble for the entire first half of the season, including the Calefax Reed Festival. This new festival has been organised to commemorate Calefax’s 40th anniversary. Calefax is delighted that Althuis will continue to be involved with them for this significant milestone.
Jelte Althuis joined Calefax in 1994, well before its 10th anniversary. Althuis: “Celebrating our 40th anniversary now feels like a fitting conclusion. I would have liked to continue playing for a long time, but a nagging injury makes it very difficult to perform at the highest level on a permanent basis.” Calefax is saddened by his departure, but very grateful for his work as a bass clarinetist and arranger. Alban Wesly: “We will miss not only Jelte’s musicality but also his exceptional level of commitment and warm personality. I am so happy that we will still have the pleasure of working together for the coming months. Let us celebrate not only our anniversary, but also 32 years of making music and working together with Jelte!”
During the Calefax Reed Festival, Althuis will be performing in concerts including Dido & Aeneazz (with Eric Vloeimans), Un Momento Dado (by Johan de Meij) and The Music Factory (for ages 6+). The festival, featuring concerts, workshops and international guests, will take place from 20 to 23 November 2025 at Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ in Amsterdam.
