BIO
Zoran Rosendahl (b. 1994, Grave, The Netherlands) is a Dutch composer with partly Indonesian roots, whose music is distinguished by its expressive depth, structural clarity, and vivid orchestration. His works balance technical refinement with an instinct for storytelling, creating sound worlds that are immersive, dramatic, and emotionally charged. Published by Universal Edition in Vienna—one of the world’s most prestigious classical music publishers—Rosendahl is establishing himself as a leading voice in contemporary classical composition. Universal Edition’s distinguished roster includes Gustav Mahler, Arnold Schoenberg, and Pierre Boulez, placing him in a lineage of composers who have shaped the course of modern music.
Rosendahl’s work spans opera, symphonic wind ensemble, chamber music, and solo repertoire. His music often explores themes of transformation, memory, and human resilience, with a particular emphasis on vocal writing. He has a deep affinity for the human voice, weaving it seamlessly into larger instrumental textures to create moments of both grandeur and intimacy. As a singer with the Wiener Singverein, he maintains a close connection to choral music, which informs his approach to writing for both solo and ensemble voices.
His operatic and theatrical works reflect a strong sense of dramatic pacing and expressive intensity. Nachtlicht (2024), a psychological drama for soprano, tenor, and symphonic wind band, is a striking example of his ability to shape narrative through music. De Bremer Stadsmuzikanten (2024), a children’s operetta for narrator and wind ensemble, demonstrates his versatility in writing for different audiences while maintaining artistic depth. His large-scale memorial composition Yom Kippoer 1942: The Last Prayer (2024), for narrator, tenor, women’s choir, children’s choir, and symphonic wind band, is a deeply affecting work that reflects his sensitivity to historical themes and choral textures.
Rosendahl’s instrumental compositions showcase his command of orchestration and structure. His large ensemble works, such as Ouroboros (2022) and The Ant Mill (2023), reveal a fascination with layered textures and dynamic contrasts. Ouroboros was awarded first prize in the 1st division fanfare band category at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, a recognition that underscores his ability to craft compelling and sophisticated works for symphonic wind ensembles.
His chamber music, including Vega (2022) and Reading Gaol (2019), has been widely performed by leading musicians. Vega, a work for euphonium and harp, explores intricate textures and delicate interplay between the two instruments, while Reading Gaol, inspired by Oscar Wilde’s poem, is a deeply introspective and text-driven work that highlights his affinity for literature and vocal writing. Across all of his compositions, Rosendahl’s music is marked by a meticulous sense of form, expressive clarity, and a deep engagement with the performers bringing it to life.
Alongside his work as a composer, Rosendahl is active as a conductor, frequently leading performances of his own music as well as works by other contemporary and historical composers. His approach to conducting is deeply informed by his background as a composer, allowing him to shape performances with precision, insight, and a strong sense of dramatic arc.
Based in Vienna since 2022, Rosendahl continues to expand his artistic horizons, exploring new possibilities in opera, symphonic, and chamber music. His work is performed across Europe, drawing in audiences with its striking blend of structure, emotion, and storytelling.
