Today we’d like to introduce you to Josefien Stoppelenburg

Hi Josefien, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

Born into a family of artists, I’ve always been surrounded by music and creativity. My Dad, a conductor and composer, and my Mom, a professional pianist and music educator, instilled a love for music in my sister Charlotte and me. Charlotte and I spent countless hours practicing choir music together, and soon discovered that our voices blended beautifully. As a vocal duo, we won competitions, performed on TV, and presented concerts to the Dutch Royal Family. Renowned composers created pieces for our voices, and we got to perform oratorio works, operas, and chamber music.

Our family’s circle extended to many different kinds of artist friends; singers, sculptors, writers and puppeteers. I always greatly enjoyed witnessing the lively conversations and experienced how the artists would mutually inspire each other.

For me, paintings always sparked a deep fascination. The moment I laid eyes on a Marc Chagall masterpiece in one of my parents’ art books, something seemed to wake up in me that has never gone back to sleep. Since then, I have immersed myself in painting, drawing, art classes, exhibitions, and art history.

These days I lead a bit of an unusual double life as a soprano and fine art painter. I studied at the Conservatory of Amsterdam before delving into opera studies in Cologne, Germany. However, I’m the happiest in music that celebrates text sensitivity and interpretation, rhetoric, and vocal agility. To me, the voice is really an instrument for interpretation, for storytelling. My heart resonates most with Baroque and Chamber music. When I’m not performing or teaching private lessons and masterclasses, I engage in commissioned artworks, children’s book illustrations, and live painting events. I love the thrill of painting under time constraints before a live audience!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

The journey hasn’t been easy, and it continues to present challenges, but there’s nothing else I’d love to do more!
In the Netherlands, support and recognition for the arts have seen a significant decline in recent years. While the United States may not have had the same level of government funding as the Netherlands, there is a greater presence of individual and corporate sponsorships, in addition to various grants.

I think that anyone who walks an unconventional path is bound to face obstacles. Personally, I have always strived for a unique sound that is unmistakably my own, rather than the sound of yet another soprano. In some cases however, an interchangeable voice is necessary for specific productions, placing the director’s creative vision at the forefront and ensuring a unified ensemble sound from all the individual performers.

Throughout all my performances, I aim to be a dependable and prepared musician, as well as a supportive colleague. The most gratifying compliment I receive is when someone expresses admiration for my voice and emotional expression, even if they typically do not appreciate classical singers. This is what I try to achieve with my voice students as well: I want them to be expressive and skilled musicians, with a strong artistic vision and the ability to really move an audience.

The same principle applies to my paintings. Many have remarked on the distinctiveness of my work, noting that they can immediately recognize a painting as mine. While I draw inspiration from artists like Marc Chagall, Paul Gauguin, Odilon Redon and Peter Doig, my style remains uniquely my own.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

As a soprano soloist and a fine art painter, my creative pursuits span across various fields, from concerts, to masterclasses, from vibrant and colorful paintings to fashion designs and whimsical illustrations, in the States and occasionally in Europe.
The most rewarding creative projects, have a lasting impact, hopefully, on those who experience my work. There is no greater satisfaction for me than when I can create art and music that resonate with people on a deeper level, offering them an experience that they will carry with them long after the concert or viewing has ended.

It brings me immense joy to inspire and empower my students to embrace their individual creative journeys. I firmly believe that everyone possesses a unique form of creativity, and embracing it can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment in life.

Here’s a idea for the readers to try out:
Creativity is like magic for the soul. The next time you’re feeling low, channel that energy into creating something – whether it’s a painting, a story, a sculpture, or any art form, and don’t stress about the outcome. You’ll be surprised at how it can turn life’s obstacles into a wellspring of positive energy.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?

I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been born into a family of artists, surrounded by creativity from a young age. Even before becoming a teenager, my sister and I auditioned for the newly established National Dutch Children’s Choir, an experience that proved to be invaluable in shaping our musical abilities. Many of the children who were part of this choir went on to become professional musicians, due to the exceptional training we received.

I’m lucky to have a husband who shares my passion for music. We both know that being a musician is not merely a job but a profound calling that resonates deep within our souls. We often joke that we have a ménage-à -trois, consisting of myself, my husband, and our shared love for music and art. For us, this calling is so intrinsic to our being that it is impossible to simply switch off or set aside.
We will make music and be creative as long as we are able.

I hope that the readers of this article will be inspired to unleash their own creativity, whether through painting, singing, writing a story, or any other art form, to express their unique gifts, and share them with the world!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.josefienstoppelenburg.com and www.josefienstoppelenburg-art.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josefien.artandmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/josefien.stoppelenburg
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@josefienstoppelenburg

Image Credits
Photo of Josefien in pink top : Hilde Schreur
Photo of Josefien (2 photos) with yellow painting and apron : Joe Francavilla Photography