The well-known Dutch musician and composer Willem Breuker has died, 65 years old. He had been ill for some time.

Breuker was an important figure in the international improvised music scene. He founded his own orchestra in 1974. This "Willem Breuker Kollektief" was one of the first ensembles in The Netherlands that brought improvised music for a big audience. The orchestra played around the whole world.

Breuker has won many music prizes,among which the VPRO/Boy Edgar Prize in 1993.

[source: www.limburger.nl]