Composer/Conductor

Besides being a pianist, composer/arranger and a leader of his own ensembles, Fondse is a much sought-after mentor and orchestra leader. He is known for his ability to bring people together, through his music, his personal and professional conduct, his humor, and his optimistic outlook on life and the future. It applauds him not least for his motivating influence on the new generation of emerging talent.

From 2015 till 2017 Martin led the National Youth Jazz Orchestra (NJJO)  as the artistic director. Internationally he worked with Brazilian star Lenine, Peter Erskine & Doudou N’Diaye Rose, Pat Metheny, Terry Bozzio, Matthew Herbert, and Basement Jaxx vs. The Metropolitan Orchestra (Australia).

In 2019 he will be joining Manu Dibango’s Safari Symphonique (France) as an arranger as well as conductor. Fondse received various composition commissions from the North Sea Jazz Festival, Big Band of Hessischer Rundfunk and the Dutch Radio. He composed and arranged music for a wide range of ensembles and orchestras, including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Metropole Orchestra, The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Netherlands Wind Ensemble.

Martin is available for orchestras and big bands as conductor/composer/arranger with his own projects and programs.