Welcome to BANDOC (Buswell & Nyberg's Dutch Orchestra Challenge)

Buy tickets here (early bird offer of €15)
Check out our current progress
See current special guests
Listen to the playlist

Join us as we take on an exciting challenge: forming an orchestra from random musicians across the Netherlands. Our goal? To host a unique concert on Sunday 12th May 2024 at Cpunt, Hoofddorp, featuring this eclectic ensemble performing fresh arrangements of songs with special guest artists from the UK, SE and NL. We're facing a monumental challenge - we have just 3 months to do everything - put together an orchestra, invite special guests, create music, and handle all the concert details. From promoting the event to organising travel & accommodation, it's all on us.

Everything we do will be made public, giving full visibility to the project. It's a race against time to turn this idea into reality, starting from scratch. Think of it as a live gig with the intensity of The Apprentice.

Will we soar to success or stumble in failure? Follow our exhilarating journey here.

Our mission statement

Our aim with BANDOC is about two things:

1. Artistic Creation Amidst Constraints: Is it possible to curate a concert for independent British & Dutch artists performing with an orchestra within a mere 3-month window, devoid of the usual prerequisites? We will have no advance planning, funding, or knowledge of the Dutch music industry. Can we build an entire project from scratch in 3 months and obtain enough funds to make the show happen?


2. A Quest for Answers: Beyond the logistics of organising a concert, we are on a quest to unearth answers about the arts. 


- Is it possible to complete this project without receiving advance funding, relying solely on ticket sales, support from the community & any funding obtained within 90 days?


- Can we ensure that every contributor is duly recognised and compensated fairly & properly? 


- If the payment we offer falls below suggested rates, what impact does it have on the demand for this type of artistic project, and can it be argued that strict financial requirements sometimes hinder cultural significance?

CONDUCTOR

Jos Pijnappel


JOS PIJNAPPEL
NL

Jos is a versatile musician known for his roles as an arranger, conductor, viola player, and musical director. With a rich background in both amateur and professional music, he dedicates himself full-time to arranging for diverse artists and orchestras. He actively contributes to productions at the Steengroeve Theatre Winterswijk as an arranger and musical director & has also served as conductor/arranger for various theatre productions and collaborates with esteemed orchestras and amateur associations across the Netherlands. Currently, Jos thrives as a musical entrepreneur and arranger and spearheads HAFA productions and serves as Artistic Leader/Co-founder of the Stichting Wilmink Project Orkest.

SPECIAL GUESTS

Special guest 1 (web) - PET NEEDS copy
PET NEEDS
UK

UK indie punk act PET NEEDS create anti-anthems inspired by job woes and wild river escapades, with idiosyncratic lyrics and boundless energy. They have stormed stages across the UK, Europe and America, sharing bills with heavy hitters like Buzzcocks, Flogging Molly and Frank Turner. In fact, it was their explosive Camden Rocks performance that won over Frank Turner, who mixed and mastered their debut, "Fractured Party Music." Forced offstage in 2020, they poured energy into their next album, "Primetime Entertainment," a fierce critique of modern apathy. 


Their latest album "Separation Anxiety" dropped on February 16, to a top 20 spot on UK charts with a record that shatters lockdown blues and leaves you craving more.

Special guest 2 (web) - LYDIA LYON

LYDIA LYON
NL

Lydia Lyon, a prominent figure in House music, garners support from icons like Martin Garrix, Calvin Harris, and Don Diablo. Adept in vocals and violin since childhood, Lyon embarked on a diverse musical journey. From performances with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra to sharing stages with Earth Wind and Fire, The Roots, and others, Lyon's career thrived. After graduating from Berklee College of Music, she ventured into vocal prowess, featuring on prominent Italian TV and radio shows and headlining Valentino's 'Born in Roma' fragrance campaign tour. Now based in Amsterdam, Lyon boasts original tracks on major radio stations globally, amassing over 2 million streams with her multilingual vocals and enchanting compositions.

We're blessed to not only have Lydia Lyon perform her music with an orchestra, but she's also a violinist in the ensemble!

Special guest web 3 - GEORGE AND THE RAMS


GEORGE & THE RAMS
NL

George & The Rams is a feel-good, no nonsense Westcoast pop band. Ride along from the 70’s soul of Al Green to the yacht rock of Steely Dan. In the back you’ve got Big Star & Tom Petty, so we’re good to go. Let George & the Rams take you on a trip down memory lane, yet to still be surprised when you take a turn. Their first self-titled EP is now released, starting their journey to conquer the Netherlands.










Special guest web 4 - NON CANON


NON CANON
UK

Step into the captivating world of Non Canon, a musical journey led by Bristol-based Barry Dolan. Emerging with Oxygen Thief in 2006, Dolan's talent has graced stages alongside Frank Turner and InMe, captivating audiences and earning acclaim from BBC Introducing and BBC 6 Music's Tom Robinson. Signing with Xtra Mile Recordings in 2013, Dolan unleashed the dynamic 'Accidents Do Not Happen, They Are Caused' before embarking on the acoustic-driven Non Canon project. 

Intriguing and unapologetically authentic, Non Canon invites you to immerse yourself in Dolan's world, where each note tells a story and every melody sparks emotion. Embark on this musical adventure and discover the magic of Non Canon.



Special guest web 5 - CHRIS RICHTER


CHRIS RICHTER
NL

Chris Richter is an Amsterdam-based artist, who distinguishes herself as storyteller first, musician second. Her indie-folk style music bends to the will of the words she writes with instinct and intent. Her sharp introspection and love for history have brought forth a number of personal and universally understood works. Her newest single, The Train of 3:30, is a deeply interconnected release with sounds reaching from Mariana blue to the highest ceiling of the sky. Feel welcome to listen, and maybe explore things from a different angle.







Special guest web 6 - LOUPE


LOUPE
NL

The indie rock band Loupe comprises four members: Nina Ouattara on vocals and keys, Lana Kooper on bass, Annemarie van den Born on drums, and Abel van der Waals on guitar. Their music, characterised as dynamic, dreamy, and hypnotic, has garnered attention from media outlets. What sets them apart is their equal creative collaboration, merging various influences including synthpop, afrobeat, and folk into a cohesive whole. Their sound emphasises individual instrumental parts as distinct melodies, with lyrics often delving into personal experiences and themes of growth and self-discovery.






Special guest web 7 - LIMANDI


LIMANDI
SE

Hailing from Sweden's serene landscapes, Limandi, emerges as a self-made artist whose music dives deep into resilience and authenticity. In her secluded Swedish countryside studio, she meticulously crafted her debut EP, "FUCK. IT." A 7-song collection defying genres, blending indie-pop, electronic, folk, and R'n'B, mirroring the essence of coming home. Themes of heartbreak and self-love resonate, declaring freedom and embracing vulnerability. Limandi, a storyteller, musician, and producer, collaborates with notable artists like Parham, VICTORIA & Maydar. With nominations for Denniz Pop awards and Manifestgalan, Limandi invites listeners to join her on an extraordinary journey of resilience and artistry. Longtime friend and collaborator of Buswell & Nyberg, Limandi will also be joining the house band as vocalist.


Special guest web 8 - PAMPEL


PAMPEL
NL

Specially selected by the curators at cPunt, Pampel, a Dutch musician, crafts vibrant and spirited Dutch pop music. He takes charge of writing, composing, and producing all his tracks. 


Whether rocking out with his band or delivering an intimate acoustic set alongside Marnix, his guitarist and co-writer, Pampel's performances captivate audiences. Dive into his music on all major streaming platforms.











Special guest web 9 - MØDI


MØDi
NL

Specially selected by the curators at cPunt, MØDi are a mix of alternative progressions, experimental sounds and atmospheric scapes. The Amsterdam-based four-piece band create songs with progressive drums and aggressive synths, with melody at number one.


The tracks set a distinct mood and are reminiscent of Atoms for Peace, Nine Inch Nails and Radiohead. The band mixes riffs from rock music with beats and synths from electronica. On stage, the band comes into its own best through good chemistry that manages to strike the right chord







We thought it would be good to have a playlist of all the acts performing at BANDOC. We don't know for sure exactly what songs we're doing so this may change over time, but it gives you a good indication of what the show will entail.