Wiebren Buma appointed director of ArtEZ Academy of Music in Zwolle

Wiebren Buma (1973) studied Classical Music (trumpet) and choral conducting at ArtEZ Academy of Music in Zwolle. After working as a musician, conductor and lecturer in the Zwolle and Deventer region, he joined the National Youth Orchestra of the Netherlands (NJO) in 2004. In a range of roles, he contributed to the development of the NJO Summer Academy and the NJO Muziekzomer, serving as director in recent years.

He later became director of an arts centre in Deventer and of Het Gelders Orkest, where he prepared the merger with Orkest van het Oosten that resulted in today's Phion. He then led Cultuur Kwartier Sneek. Since 2025, he has been Programme Manager at Prins Claus Conservatorium in Groningen.

For Wiebren Buma, the appointment marks a return to the region where his career began: 'I'm incredibly excited to get started and to help ensure that ArtEZ Academy of Music in Zwolle remains a vibrant place, visible and closely connected to the city and the region.'

The Executive Board expresses its appreciation for the dedication and commitment shown by Sigrid van Willigen and is delighted to welcome Wiebren Buma. 'With Wiebren Buma, we have found a director who knows ArtEZ Academy of Music in Zwolle, the region and the professional cultural field exceptionally well.'

Rob Kramer, member of the ArtEZ Academy of Music management team: 'Over the years, I have come to know Wiebren in various roles as someone with great musical expertise, who also has the ability to bring together different perspectives in an amiable way and give them direction. His strength does not lie in forcing change, but in creating support through substance, connection and an open attitude.'

ArtEZ Academy of Music in Zwolle offers preparatory programmes, the bachelor's programmes Music in Education, Tailor-Made Music in Education, Jazz & Pop and Classical Music, as well as a pre-master and the Master of Music. The bachelor's programmes Music in Education, Jazz & Pop and Classical Music have been recognised as Top Programmes by the independent Keuzegids hbo 2026, an award given to the highest-rated programmes in the Netherlands.