Thom Willems

(composer)

Thom Willems (b. 1955, Arnhem, Netherlands) is a Dutch composer renowned for his innovative contributions to contemporary ballet music. He studied electronic and instrumental composition at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, under mentors such as Jan Boerman, Dick Raaijmakers, and Louis Andriessen. 

Willems is best known for his long-standing collaboration with choreographer William Forsythe, beginning in 1985. Together, they have created over 70 works, including revolutionary pieces like “In the Middle, Somewhat Elevated” (1987), “The Loss of Small Detail” (1991), and “One Flat Thing, Reproduced” (2000). Willems’ compositions are characterized by their use of electronic soundscapes, rhythmic complexity, and integration of urban sonorities. 

His music has been featured in the repertoires of major ballet companies worldwide, including the Mariinsky Ballet, Bolshoi Ballet, New York City Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, and Nederlands Dans Theater. Beyond ballet, Willems has composed for film, television, and art installations, collaborating with artists like Issey Miyake and contributing to events such as the opening of Tate Modern in London.