F.C. Jongbloed

FC Jongbloed (meaning "Fontys Conservatorium's Youngblood") is a Dutch student contemporary music ensemble at Fontys Hogeschool voor de Kunsten (FHK, Fontys School of Fine and Performing Arts), active since the mid-2000s and established by percussionist Arnold Marinissen. One of the ensemble's former members, guitarist and composer Aart Strootman, currently serves as its artistic director and conductor. The ensemble is part of Fontys School's composition class curriculum; thus, the line-up is constantly changing, with new students taking seats. F.C. Jongbloed has a varying configuration, typically featuring six to 12 musicians but occasionally expanding to realize specific works. Every year, they perform at November Music festival, featuring Fontys student repertoire and music of distinguished contemporary composers, including Kaija Saariaho, Janco Verduin, Peter Garland and Rebecca Saunders.