Charles Baumstark is a French composer and conductor currently based in the Hague.

An exciting highlight of Baumstark’s upcoming 2023/24 season is the highly anticipated world premiere of his first children opera, Les Papillons de Terezín, set to take place in June 2024.

Recently, prestigious ensembles such as the Residentie Orkest and the New European Ensemble premiered Charles Baumstark’s music. As a composer, he has also worked with renowned contemporary music groups including RSNO Alchemy, Glasgow New Music Expedition, and Edinburgh Contemporary Music Ensemble. Notably, his work Fantaisie for large ensemble garnered him a Special Prize at the esteemed BMIMF 2019 Composition Competition held in Busan, South Korea.

At the heart of Baumstark’s compositions is a poetic exploration of metaphysics and nature. His more recent musical works often unfold in a world inspired by surreal landscapes and imagery that subduedly invite the audience to reflect on their own life journey. A poem of his own writing serves as a program note inviting a captivated audience into his metaphysical world.

As a conductor, Charles has dedicated himself to the premiere and recording of numerous works, thoroughly enjoying his role in bringing music to life. He has had the privilege of participating in masterclasses with esteemed institutions such as the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and Scottish Opera, studying under distinguished conductors like Thomas Søndergård, Martyn Brabbins, Christopher Seaman, Rumon Gamba, and Kristjan Järvi.

Charles earned his Master’s degree from the prestigious composition department at the Royal Conservatoire of The Hague, guided by the expertise of professors Jan van de Putte, Guus Janssen and Diderik Wagenaar. Prior to this, he completed a Bachelor of Music (Hons.) at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, successfully undertaking the Joint Principal Study course in Composition mentored by Rory Boyle and Linda Buckley, as well as in Conducting under Garry Walker and Alasdair Mitchell. In 2017, Charles was selected to participate in an exchange program in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, where he refined his composition skills under Mikhail Fuchsmann and studied conducting with Yuri Mashin. Furthermore, he holds a degree in general Mathematics from the Université Paris-Sud XI.

Beyond his musical endeavors, Baumstark’s talents extend to poetry and painting, showcasing his multifaceted artistic abilities.

April 2024