King's Day 2024

Jos Muijtjens from the Netherlands (born 1957) is no ordinary trumpet player; he is a musical adventurer with a story that spans continents. The Maastricht resident started playing the trumpet at the age of 7 in one of the local bands there.

Growing up, Jos quickly became known as a leading trumpet player in local bands. As he honed his skills, he developed into a lead trumpet player in various big bands and brass players at home and abroad.

At the invitation of the Maastricht Conservatory, he assisted their Big Band on lead trumpet for many years. Gradually his musical talent took him far and wide. For decades he toured Europe with the Glenn Miller Memorial Band and was lead trumpeter of the renowned German Ted Borgh Orchestra.

But Jos didn't stop there. He founded his own Big Band, which toured Europe and the US for 25 years with show highlights in Paris, Las Vegas and New York.

It was an invitation from the Amsterdam Biggles Big Band that introduced Jos to the enchanting world of Thailand. During this tour through Thailand, Jos experienced the beauty of the country for the first time, which marked the beginning of a love affair that would continue for years to come. The Biggles Big Band continued to invite Jos on their Thailand tours, increasing his affection for all that the country had to offer.

Later, in a remarkable twist, Jos found a new rhythm in his life when he made Thailand his home. There he joined forces with saxophonist Paul van Duijn in a musical partnership. Together they orchestrate a unique experience, inviting talented friends from Europe to join forces with young talented Thai musicians.

Once or twice a year they tour Thailand together under the name “Big to the Future”. At his request, Jos recently started a similar band in Thailand with young talented musicians, under the name Thai Future Band.

It's not just about the music: it's a celebration of cultural exchange and the enduring power of friendship, resonating across continents and captivating audiences wherever they travel.