Sylvia Maessen studied oboe, composition, classical double bass (Edward Mebius) and jazz double bass (Koos Serierse) at the Hilversums Conservatory. She performs regularly in various ensembles like Sinfonia R’dam, Philharmonia A’dam, Opera Front, Opera Trionfo (classical), Alice in Dixieland (jazz), Trimoza (worldmusic) and Frank Groothof (theatre).

Her compositions are primarily in the modern classical style. Her arrangements span many genres, from classical to jazz, pop and world music. She wrote for musicians like Eleonore Pameijer (flute), Marja Bon, Marcel Worms (piano), Wolfgang Guggenberger (trumpet), Carel Kraaijenhof (bandoneon), ensembles like the Nederlands Blazers Ensemble, Amstel Quartet (sax4), Gauguin Ensemble, Gergjev festival, A’dam Brass. In 2018 and 2019 she will compose the compulsory vocal work for the International Vocal Composition Den Bosch.

She won several prizes for composition and is member of the Dutch composers collective Nieuw Geneco. Her CD “Inspired by poetry” (2014) with all her vocal compositions, performed by her sister – soprano Irene Maessen – and friends, got 4 stars in de Volkskrant.