Bence Major

Bence Major was appointed principal percussionist with the Concertgebouworkest in August 2014. Born in the Hungarian city of Szombathely, he studied at the Debrecen music academy, where he won the Artisjus Prize. He continued his studies at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam with Gustavo Gimeno, Peter Prommel, Ramon Lormans, Victor Oskam, Arnold Marinissen, Nick Woud and his current colleague Mark Braafhart.

Prior to his appointment with the Concertgebouworkest, Major frequently performed as a substitute with the Concertgebouworkest. He has also performed with the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra and the Budapest Festival Orchestra. While a student, he was a member of such youth orchestras as the Gustav Mahler Youth Orchestra, the European Union Youth Orchestra and the Verbier Festival Orchestra. In the 2013–14 season, Major worked as assistant principal percussionist with the Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra.

Major also joined the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in 2014, where he teaches percussion, having previously been employed there as an assistant teacher.