Marion Schaap studied at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam before obtaining her
Master of Music degree with Benjamin Verdery at Yale University in the US. Since then she
has distinguished herself as a performer, inspiring pedagogue and ambassador for the
classical guitar. The American magazine Soundboard Magazine described her playing as
“truly exciting, very moving and sincere” and “displaying a great dynamic range with no fear
of taking risks”.
Together with Peter Constant she forms the internationally known Z.o.o. guitar duo,
described in Classical Guitar magazine as “premiere league quality… effortless musicianship
and wonderful technique”. Recordings include the complete two-part Inventions by J.S. Bach
on requinto and baritone guitars, and Sofia Gubaidulina's monumental composition
Repentance, recorded under the supervision of the composer herself. Marion also recorded
music by De Falla and Stravinsky for Naxos, and released a successful CD of her own
arrangements with shakuhachi master Andrew MacGregor. Other collaborations include Duo
Voyager with recorder player Stephanie Brandt.
In addition to her own teaching practice, she teaches at the Conservatory of Amsterdam. She
is co-artistic leader of Guitar Orchestra Foundation of the Netherlands (Stichting Gitaarorkest
Nederland), an artistic initiative that brings guitarists of all ages and levels together in four
guitar orchestras.