Saxophonist/composer Ben van Gelder (b. 1988 in Groningen, Holland) grew up in a musical family, and began playing saxophone at the age of 11. Ben became involved in the jazz scene at an early age, was already a prize-winner as a student, and appeared at such prestigious jazz venues as the North Sea Jazz Festival. Beginning in 2003 he studied at the Amsterdam University of the Arts, and after receiving the Stan Getz/Clifford Brown Fellowship, migrated to New York in 2006 to study under the likes of Mark Turner and Lee Konitz at the prestigious New School. While in NYC he worked with such major players as Ari Hoenig, Ben Street, and David Binney. He has since played and recorded with many contemporary jazz stars, including David Binney, Ambrose Akinmusire, Nasheet Waits, Aaron Parks, John Escreet, Thomas Morgan and Rodney Green.