Thijs Willers (2006) is a devoted pianist from The Netherlands. His repertoire encompasses a wide variety of musical styles, ranging from Bach to Rachmaninoff.

He started playing the piano at the age of 5, having his first lessons with Marjolijn van den Brandt. He later received his lessons from Maaike Eijkman and Ivan Penkov until he was admitted at the ‘Sweelinck Academie’ at the Conservatory of Amsterdam where he was taught by Mila Baslawskaja. In 2024, he began his Bachelor’s degree at the same Conservatory with David Kuyken with whom he studied for 2 years. He is currently in his 3rd year, receiving his piano lessons from Frank van de Laar. Additionally, he started the ‘Three-Year Advancement Course’ at the ‘Fondazione Accademia di Imola’ with Enrico Pace in 2025.

In 2023 he received the national 1st price at the ‘Prinses Christina Concours’. In the final he performed Prokofiev’s 3rd piano sonata. Jury member Ralph van Raat remarked: “During the Final, Thijs unleashed Prokofiev’s explosive energy throughout the hall. And that is no small achievement, for Prokofiev’s Third Sonata is widely regarded as one of the most challenging works in his repertoire. Everyone who heard Thijs during the competition witnessed not only a remarkable mini-recital, but also the great potential he possesses to become a successful professional musician.”

Thijs has performed at various venues, including Amare (main hall) and the Muziekgebouw (main hall) and in October 2026, he will make his solo-debut in the Concertgebouw (recital hall).

He has received masterclasses from Angela Hewitt, Pierre-Laurent Aimard, Enrico Pace, Bart van Oort, Paul Komen, Nata Tsvereli, Ilona Timchenko and Istvan Lajko.

Alongside his dedication for the solo-piano repertoire, Thijs has a great love for chamber music. He has performed the Piano Quintet of Robert Schumann with the Matangi Quartet. He also plays together with Mara Mostert and Isaac Lottman in the Amstel Trio and in duo’s. Previously, he formed Trio Tableaux with Elin Haver and Gijs Linn.