Maarten van der Valk is a professional all-around freelance musician. As a timpanist, percussionist
and drummer he has been active in both the Dutch and the international music scene for over 50
years now.

- My main band (1984-2022) was the ‘Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century’, founded and conducted by Frans
Brüggen. As a timpanist with this orchestra I have been privileged to perform at all major Dutch and
international concert halls. So far the orchestra has toured around 200 times and recorded over 100
CDs.

On the 25th of November 2021 and after 38 years, according to an agreement we made in 2017 amongst all colleagues/friends of this orchestra, I played my last concert (in Paris) with them, to hand over my sticks to the younger generation.

Since January 2022 and amongst other things I then became part of the recording team (sound and editing) next to genious Jochem Geene of Studio van Schuppen, which since 1984 has been responsible for all CD releases of the orchestra, published first by Philips and later by Glossa records.

Also with many other famous outstanding ensembles I was privileged to tour and perform in the
The Netherlands, but even more frequent in other countries throughout the world, such as Germany,
Belgium, Spain, France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, the USA, and Japan. Take a look at the page resumé on this site.

Up to now, and next to all the recordings of the Orchestra of the Eighteenth century I have been extremely lucky and happy to participate in over 160 cd-recordings various ensembles. For a full list see the page Discography.

OK, but now since March 2025 I have returned to my other passion and that is big band! I have the honor and am incredibly proud and ecstatic to have become a member of the semi-pro big band the Central Heat Big Band, led by Hein Buying. Recently we found a really great new bass player so now the rithymn section is complete we are refining our repertoire and preparing for the upcoming concerts. I'll keep you posted!
 

On my solo album 'Touch' from 1999, you can listen to all my timeless musical favorites.

Since 2003 I have developed my own line of Baroque timpani sticks MaruTen. On the page Sticks, you can find more information.