News

Fedor Teunisse, artistic director of HIIIT, has informed the Supervisory Board that he will step down from his position as of November 2025. This marks the end of nearly thirty years of dedication to the ensemble.

“When I started as a performer in 1997, I had no idea that this ensemble would come to play such a significant role in my life. Now, almost thirty years later, I look back with deep gratitude on everything we have built together. There is still so much artistic ground to explore, but it feels like the right time to make space for new voices and energy,” says Fedor.

HIIIT’s upcoming 50th anniversary marks a moment of renewal – both organizationally and artistically. With a new name, a clear vision for the 2025–2028 period, and a strong network of inspiring partners, HIIIT is ready for the next phase. In 2024, Fedor had already proudly said goodbye as a performer with a memorable rendition of Timber by Michael Gordon – composed especially for HIIIT – in the Nieuwe Kerk in Groningen. Now, he is also handing over the artistic leadership, making room for fresh ideas, new voices, and new energy.

Fedor leaves behind a strong and distinctive artistic signature. Since his start in 1997, and especially from 2005 onwards as artistic director, he has unmistakably left his mark on the ensemble. Under his leadership, HIIIT evolved from a specialized contemporary percussion sextet based in The Hague into an internationally acclaimed collective that pushes boundaries and continues to develop. Each year, HIIIT reaches tens of thousands of audience members with innovative, multidisciplinary productions.

We look forward with excitement, building on the solid foundation of what has already been achieved. Recent highlights include the powerful Battles & Silences, the Loading Dock Sessions created during the COVID period, and a sustainable collaboration with partners such as NITE and Asko|Schönberg. The future is equally promising, with upcoming performances such as the five-show run of Nachtwacht at Carré, co-produced with NITE, and the premiere of Ways of [ ], an audiovisual composition by The Hague-based artist Zeno van den Broek, in collaboration with Les Percussions de Strasbourg and Production House Muziekgebouw.

An open application procedure for the new artistic leadership will begin soon, supported by DDJ& (Dixon & De Jaeger), a consultancy with extensive experience in the cultural sector.

We are deeply grateful to Fedor for his tremendous commitment, vision, and passion, and we wish him all the best and much enjoyment in his ongoing work at Het Muziek.

“Someone delivering a monologue while doing a backward somersault over a colleague’s back: you don’t see that often. Astonishing.” (NRC)

CONTRA, a co-production between Wabi Sabi, Het Houten Huis, and HIIIT, is off to a flying start. The site-specific performance premiered last month at Donderboerkamp in Drenthe and, after four sold-out shows at Festival Karavaan, is heading to Terschelling for Oerol in just a few days. There, the cast will perform the poetic production 16 times over the course of 9 days. We wish everyone with a ticket lots of enjoyment—because they’re completely sold out. In July, CONTRA travels on to Festivalderaa in the Drenthe stream valley landscape—tickets are still available there. A theatre tour will follow in 2026.

What does it mean to enforce the law in a world full of chaos? How does an officer remain human in a system that’s cracking?
In a thought-provoking blend of dance, text, and live music, the performance offers a glimpse into the minds and hearts of several police officers.

It’s been a while since we last shared a Loading Dock Session with you. What started during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a standalone series of miniature concerts at our studio in The Hague. Time for #24!

In this episode, we welcome producer upsammy, who last week released four highly danceable new tracks under the title Open Catalyst. We’re big fans of her work. Last year, she performed at our mini-festival HIIIT Invites at Theater aan het Spui, and we joined forces for the track Embrytone. In her music, upsammy explores the rhythms and vibrations of her surroundings, and her unique aesthetic blurs the lines between artificial and natural.

In LDS #24, you’ll not only get an exclusive first listen of the brand-new track Chime Glide, but also an invigorating live version of Embrytone. The opening track of last year’s SIIIX EP, released on Maloca, still stands strong. And the follow-up to that EP is in the works—more news coming soon!

As production manager, you play a connecting and essential role within our organization. You are part of the production team and the hub of the production process: you coordinate and oversee all facets of our projects and concerts. Working closely with musicians, composers, technicians, partner organizations and the office team, you ensure that each project runs smoothly and successfully. You are precise, love challenges and enjoy working in a team. You enjoy working in an inspiring work environment, within an experienced team and with talented creators and musicians.

What you will do:

You are responsible for an efficient and smoothly running production process, from preparation to performance of concerts, music theater performances and multidisciplinary projects.

• You coordinate and supervise, both in our studio in The Hague, the office in Amsterdam and external locations, rehearsals and performances.
• You plan and organize productions for both the current season and future projects.
  By regularly coordinating with the artistic and business directors, you monitor the progress, priorities and content quality of the productions.
• You set production budgets, manage them accurately and report on them to the business director.
• You maintain intensive contact with all parties involved, including performers, composers, technicians and external partners.
• As point of contact for production matters, you ensure clear communication with concert halls and festivals at home and abroad.
• You are willing to travel to locations at home and abroad for productions and concerts.

What you bring:

• You have proven experience with production processes within the performing arts and know how to execute them efficiently and successfully.
• Planning, organizing and monitoring deadlines come naturally to you, even in dynamic situations with many people involved.
• You communicate clearly and professionally, both in Dutch and English, and know how to keep parties on the same page.
• You are flexible and proactive: switching between different tasks and dealing with irregular working hours comes naturally to you.
• With your practical attitude and solution-oriented approach, you know how to deal with unexpected challenges quickly.
• You have an affinity with music, theater or the cultural sector, which allows you to think along with the content.
• You are strong in building and maintaining professional relationships with performers, composers, technicians, office colleagues and venues.
• Finally, you have a valid driver’s license.

This is what we offer you:

• A versatile position with a lot of responsibility within an inspiring work environment and a dynamic team where good cooperation and the arts are key.
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth, for example through training courses and workshops.
• A year contract with the prospect of a permanent employment.
• An appropriate salary in accordance with the collective labor agreement for musical ensembles, depending on your experience.
• Good fringe benefits, including:
  – Reimbursement of travel expenses
  – Vacations according to the collective agreement
  – Pension scheme
• We invest in your development through trainings, workshops or other educational opportunities.

We are committed to an inclusive work environment and encourage applications from anyone who can contribute to the diversity of our team.

The position is for an average of 16 hours. These hours can be flexible on an annual basis by mutual agreement.

Please send your application letter and resume before February 9, 2025 to Jeltsje In der Rieden, business director at info@hiiit.nl with in the subject field ‘application production leader’. For questions, please call 06-12808360 or email info@hiiit.nl.

After 46 years, Slagwerk Den Haag will henceforth be known as “HIIIT.” Artistic Director Fedor Teunisse about our new name: “Slagwerk Den Haag no longer fits who we are, we have gone through so many developments in recent years. We have literally outgrown the name. The new name “HIIIT” reflects the reality and identity of our organization.”

More than percussion

In recent decades, we have developed into a versatile and groundbreaking ensemble that goes beyond traditional concert halls and traditional percussion instruments. We do not only play on percussion instruments, which is why the name Slagwerk Den Haag no longer suits us. Moreover, we do not want to limit ourselves with a name. With our new name, we can go in all directions. The name change marks a milestone in our continued growth and ambition, dedication to exploring new musical horizons and stimulating innovation in the music world.

Design

HIIIT gives shape to music, space, time and matter with sound and noise. This is graphically reflected in the new name, where the use of the three I’s offers the opportunity to play with space and time. “HIIIT not only stimulates the hearing, but also activates other senses,” says Fedor Teunisse. The new design can be admired on our social media channels. The website will follow soon.

Internationalization

Since our foundation in 1977, we have built an unparalleled reputation in both national and international music circuits. Fedor Teunisse: “The old name could really be a challenge abroad, that is not the case with HIIIT. It is international, catchy and pronounceable. This is in line with the fact that we want to be accessible to a wider audience. Moreover, the new name reflects our international reach.”

We are excited about what the future holds and remain committed to delivering exceptional musical experiences to you!