Stephen Emmer, a renowned Dutch composer from Amsterdam, has been a prominent figure in the music industry since the 1970s. His latest album, Mt. Mundane, recorded in 2024 at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, is a deeply personal and ambitious project. It features over 30 musicians and includes collaborations with notable artists such as Anthony Weeden, Andrew Dudman, and Nigel Short.

The album is a profound reflection of Emmer’s journey through hearing loss, a challenge that has significantly impacted his life and career. This personal struggle inspired him to establish the Artists Against Tinnitus foundation, aimed at raising awareness about hearing issues that affect musicians. Mt. Mundane presents 15 “cinematic adagios,” which are intricate compositions for orchestra, piano, and treble. He drew inspiration from French composers of the post-impressionist era, such as André Caplet, Lili Boulanger, Ravel, and Debussy, each renowned for their vividly colourful fauvist orchestrations and refined harmonizations.

The music is a true tapestry of Emmer’s identity, incorporating melodies that have been with him since the early days of his career over 45 years ago. He weaves these enduring themes into stunning symphonic compositions, enriched by the insights and creativity of his current artistic phase.

Beyond his recent album, Emmer had collaborations with music legends such as Lou Reed and Chaka Khan, and work with esteemed producers like Tony Visconti. He has also been a member of influential bands like Minny Pops and The Associates. Additionally, he hosted his own radio show, Synsation (Concertzender), and co-founded the music magazine Vinyl, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, initiated the campaign “Save the Arts on Radio and Television”