The Spanish musician was also a professor at Codarts University for the Arts in Rotterdam and had previously played with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Castilla y León.
Spanish double bassist Joaquín Clemente Riera, principal double bass of the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra and a professor at Codarts University for the Arts in Rotterdam, has died at the age of 44.
His death was announced by BassFest Netherlands, where Clemente had been a regular participant as both performer and teacher.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ximo Clemente Riera,” the organisation said, describing him as “one of the warmest lights of the Netherlands’ double bass community.”
Born in Buñol, Valencia, in 1982, Clemente began his musical studies at the Conservatory of Buñol before graduating from the Conservatorio Superior de Música de Valencia. He subsequently continued his training at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, where he studied with double bassist Thomas Martin.
Clemente spent more than a decade with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Castilla y León and later established his career in the Netherlands. In addition to his position with the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, he appeared as a guest with ensembles including the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra and worked with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and Aurora Orchestra.
Alongside his orchestral career, Clemente was active as a soloist, chamber musician and teacher. At Codarts in Rotterdam, he served as professor of double bass and department coordinator.
His musical interests also extended beyond the classical repertoire. Clemente was a longstanding member of Muyayos de Raïz, a folk-fusion ensemble founded in Utrecht whose music draws on traditions including Celtic, Basque, Galician and Roma music.
BassFest remembered Clemente not only for his musicianship but also for his work with younger players.
“Every edition of BassFest we got to work with Ximo, who was not only a great player but an extremely dedicated and passionate teacher,” the organisation said. “We will miss you.”
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