Matthias Van den Brande

Saxophonist/Composer/Arranger/Teacher

Matthias Van den Brande is a young saxophone player and composer/arranger with already an interesting story. Having lived and studied in various corners of the world, from his home country Belgium to the Netherlands (Amsterdam) and the United States (Philadelphia), he developed a strong voice and personality in the jazz idiom and beyond. Recently, Matthias played and recorded as a soloist with the Brussels Jazz Orchestra for the project ‘The Future Is Now’. In 2018, he released his debut album as a leader called ‘Opus #1’, blending a classical wind quintet and a jazz quartet together through his own original compositions and arrangements. In 2022, he released a second album entitled 'Three Sides of a Coin' with his award-winning trio. For 2 years, the trio played extensively in Belgium, The Netherlands, Spain, Italy and France.

A new album called 'Fields of Color', inspired by the artworks of Mark Rothko, came out in March 2025 on Fresh Sound Records. For the occasion, Matthias invited Jean-Paul Estiévenart to join the trio on trumpet. 

Matthias is also a frequently asked sideman in various groups such as the Tijs Klaassen Quintet, Mo van der Does Motet, Saxkartel, Marit van der Lei Nextet, Basile Rahola Quartet, Daan Herweg Quartet, ... Venues you might have seen him play at include the Bimhuis (NL), Bozar (BE), Lantarenvenster (NL), North Sea Jazz Festival (NL), Gent Jazz Festival (BE), deSingel (BE), Jazz Middelheim (BE), ...

For recent shows, check the concert list on this website or follow Matthias and his bands on social media.

Awards:

Matthias Van den Brande Trio - 'Grand Prix Du Jury' - Tremplin Jazz 'Concours Européen' Avignon (2022)

Matthias Van den Brande Trio - 'Prix du meilleur instrumentaliste' - Tremplin Jazz 'Concours Européen' Avignon (2022)
Matthias Van den Brande Trio – B-Jazz Contest 'Grand Prize Albert Michiels' (2022)
Tijs Klaassen Quintet – SENA performers award, Dutch Jazz Competition (2021)
Mo van der Does Motet – Keep an Eye the Records (2020)
Matthias Van den Brande Group – Art of Musical Expression Award (2018)
Tijs Klaassen Quintet – Keep an Eye the Records (2018)

Spoken Saxophone Quartet – Keep an Eye the Records (2017)
Matthias Van den Brande - Cultuurprijs Deurne (2011)

Fields of Color

Fields of Color is a vibrant musical tribute to painter Mark Rothko, a key figure of Abstract Expressionism. Inspired by the emotional universe of Rothko, Belgian saxophonist Matthias Van den Brande—who is himself color-blind—created this project as a way to transcend visual perception by interpreting Rothko’s iconic work through contemporary jazz. This intriguing project not only showcases Matthias Van den Brande's award-winning trio, but also welcomes the acclaimed trumpeter Jean-Paul Estiévenart, who adds an extra dimension of expressiveness and virtuosity to the musical exploration. Together, they create a symphony of colors and sounds, where each note is a brushstroke on the canvas of the imagination.