Hans Sampath Blok is a Dutch-Norwegian artist known for his diverse creative output across multiple styles and disciplines, including composition, conducting, and performance. Born in Sri Lanka and adopted in the Netherlands, Hans’s artistic practice draws on reflections of identity and social class to explore the subtle negotiations within human interaction—driven by emotion, ideals, and cultural values.His compositions, published by NB Noter, have been performed by well-established ensembles and orchestras such as the Dutch Wind Ensemble (NL), Asko|Schönberg (NL), the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra (NO), and Norrlandsoperan (SE). As an instrumentalist, Hans specializes in improvisation and early music, performing on a wide range of brass instruments, including historical ones like the cornetto, baroque trumpet, and sackbut. He has worked internationally as conductor and performer with various orchestras and ensembles.
As artistic director, Hans has collaborated with refugees and Indigenous communities around the world, promoting cultural heritage through projects that highlight traditional music, theatre, and dance. These collaborations have earned him several grants and awards, including the Prince Bernhard Culture Grant and the SpareBank 1 SMN Talent Stipend.
Currently, Hans is researching how the philosophy and aesthetics of Sri Lankan art music—his country of birth—can bring new dimensions to his Western musical foundations. He lives on an organic farm in Elverum, Norway, where he experiments with permaculture and ecological restoration. As a lifelong nature enthusiast, he spends his free time birdwatching and photographing the natural world.
