About us
A four-headed dragon - that’s how you might picture the Dokwerk Saxophone Quartet: four strong voices, breathing as one. And yes, sometimes this dragon breathes fire.
Known for their infectious energy and fearless musicality, Dokwerk regularly appears among the winners of international chamber music competitions. Highlights include: 1st prize in the chamber music category of the International Competition “Vítor Santos” 2021 (Portugal), 1st prize of the Italian Competition for contemporary music ‘Reate’ (Italy), 1st and the Podium Prize during the Dutch ‘Kamermuziek Concours Gelre 2022′ (The Netherlands) . In 2025, they won the Audience Prize at the Schiermonnikoog Festival. In the 2025/26 season, they will tour the 14 leading concert halls of the Netherlands as finalists of the Dutch Classical Talent Award.
Hailing from Germany, Taiwan, Italy and Portugal, the four saxophonists met in Amsterdam, where - inspired by their new shared home - they gave their ensemble a Dutch name: Dokwerk. Since then, they have come to represent a new generation of the Dutch saxophone school - embracing and expanding it through adventurous and provocative programming. Dokwerk delights audiences with performances that are full of spirit and surprise. Lisa, Jen-Hong, Ileana and Pedro believe in creating an intimate bond with their listeners - striking like lightning just as much as tickling them to the edge of their seats with tenderness.
They have performed in iconic venues such as the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ, TivoliVredenburg, De Doelen, and Muziekgebouw Eindhoven, and are regularly featured on Dutch national radio and television.
In 2022, Dokwerk joined the prestigious Nederlandse Strijkkwartet Academie (NSKA) - a groundbreaking and empowering chapter in their journey. Under the guidance of artistic director Marc Danel, and immersed in the rich tradition of string quartet playing, they continue to shape their own identity as a saxophone quartet - one that honours tradition while carving out new artistic ground.
Rooted in diverse cultures and driven by a shared artistic spirit, Dokwerk seeks to secure a constant place for the classical saxophone in the music of today and tomorrow!
