Calefax is a Dutch reed quintet founded in 1985 by five schoolboys who, in doing so, invented an entirely new musical genre. Playing oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bass clarinet and bassoon, the ensemble is known for its own arrangements spanning Bach to Nina Simone, and has commissioned over 200 works for reed quintet. With performances across Europe, Asia, North America and Africa, Calefax has built a strong international reputation - inspiring more than 70 reed quintets worldwide to follow in their footsteps.
Calefax received the Amstel Music Award from composer Johan de Meij on 22 November 2025, in recognition of forty years of pioneering work as the founder of the reed quintet.
From 20 to 23 November 2025, Calefax celebrated its 40th anniversary with the first Calefax Reed Festival at the Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ in Amsterdam, featuring concerts, workshops and international guests.
For the occasion of the anniversary, composer Michel van der Aa wrote the work Link, which was performed by 40 reed quintets worldwide over 40 days and could be followed via the new platform reedquintet.net.
In June and July 2026, Calefax toured with presenter Milouska Meulens and singer Juliana Martina to Curaçao, Bonaire and Aruba for a series of concerts and workshops.
Since 2017, the Royal Conservatoire in The Hague has offered a master's programme in Reed Quintet, developed in collaboration with Calefax.
Calefax presents 'Menu de Saison', a classical music programme at the Stadsgehoorzaal Leiden.
Calefax performs 'Forbidden Notes' at Stadsgehoorzaal Leiden, a classical music concert.
The reed quintet Calefax performs an evening of forbidden notes, arranging classical and contemporary works for oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bass clarinet and bassoon.
Calefax and writer Joris Luyendijk present their new theatrical concert 'Joris Luyendijk in Calefaxland', blending classical music with narrative.