JEF PENDERS

Jef Penders was born on 21 October 1928 in Heerlen. He taught himself some instruments such as the trumpet, trombone and saxophone.

He attended the Maastricht Conservatory where he studied various subjects, including counterpoint, orchestration and the organ.

After World War II he conducted a number of American military bands, an experience which influenced his compositions, giving them a bellicose, martial character.

In 1959 he moved to Maastricht to work as a singer and conductor at St. Lambert Cathedral.

In 1971 he was diagnosed with a throat cancer which silenced his speaking voice but not his music.

He later moved to Valencia (Paiporta) where he began to influence young Valencian composers.