The Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich has announced Belgian double bassist Wies de Boevé as its new principal double bassist. The appointment marks a full-circle moment for de Boevé, who first performed with the prestigious Swiss ensemble nearly two decades ago.
De Boevé joins the orchestra after a successful ten-year tenure with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, where he served as co-principal for seven years and principal for the final three.
A Full-Circle Return to Zurich
In a social media post celebrating the news, de Boevé expressed his excitement about returning to the city where his symphonic career began.
“I’m excited to continue my journey with the Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich as principal bass,” he shared. “Coming back to the orchestra, which helped me with my first steps in the symphonic world now 18 years ago! A page turns but the music continues.”
An Award-Winning Virtuoso
De Boevé is widely considered one of the leading double bassists of his generation. His career is marked by several historic competition wins, including:
2015 German Music Competition: The first double bassist in history to win the top prize.
2016 ARD International Music Competition: First Prize winner.
2017 International Bottesini Competition: First Prize winner.
Beyond his orchestral work, he is a dedicated educator, currently teaching at the Zurich University of Arts and the Escuela Superior de Música Reina Sofía. He has also served as a coach for the European Union Youth Orchestra since 2013.
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Global Collaborations
De Boevé’s versatility extends to chamber music and guest appearances with the world’s most elite ensembles. He has performed with the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonics, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and the London Symphony.
His chamber music collaborations include prestigious names such as Janine Jansen, Isabelle Faust, and Bruno Giuranna, further cementing his reputation as a musician of the highest caliber.