Anna Lesterhuis is a composer, cellist and songwriter based in the Netherlands. Her practice moves between film music, songwriting and experimental approaches to the cello. Drawing on her background as a classically trained musician, she combines acoustic instruments, improvisation, field recordings and electronic sound processing to create intimate and cinematic sound worlds.


The cello forms a recurring thread throughout her work. Rather than using the instrument solely in its traditional melodic role, she explores its possibilities as a rhythmic, textural and atmospheric instrument. Her work is often rooted in storytelling and explores themes such as uncertainty, memory, belonging, landscape and human connection.

  • BRAK

    2026 · Composer

    Original music for an experimental ceramic tile animation by Jikke Lesterhuis, developed during the Tussen Wad en Waterresidency at Studio1931 in Den Oever.

    The composition incorporates field recordings and explores movement, migration, boundaries and landscape.

    Ghosttown

    2026 · Composer · In production

    Original music for an experimental short film exploring ghosting, digital communication and the human search for connection and closure.

    Buurtzorg Congress — Verbinding

    2026 · Composer · Performing Musician

    Composition and live performance of music for two short films centred around the theme of connection, created in collaboration with musician Sam Al Ali.

    Wad is, is nu

    2025 · Co-composer with Thomas Muis

    Original music for the animated short film Wad is, is nu, directed by Jikke Lesterhuis, produced by Valk Productions and co-produced by 5AM Studios.

    The film premiered at the Netherlands Film Festival in 2025 and was selected for the Gouden Kalf Competition for Short Films.

    Body’s Blindness

    2024 · Composer

    Original music for the stop-motion short film Body’s Blindness, directed by Jikke Lesterhuis and developed during an artist residency at Working Artist Studios in Ballydehob, Ireland.

  • Wad is, is nu

    2026

    • Annecy International Animation Film Festival — Official Competition

    • Melbourne International Animation Festival

    • Go Short — International Short Film Festival Nijmegen

    • Stockholm International Film Festival

    • Kaboom Animation Festival

    • ANIMA Brussels International Animation Film Festival

    2025

    • Netherlands Film Festival — Gouden Kalf Competition, Short Films

    Body’s Blindness

    2024

    • Athens International Art Film Festival — Best Animation

    • Rialto for Short — Winner

    • K(O)ORTS Weird, Wicked & Wonderful — Winning Film

    Additional screenings and selections include Frome International Climate Film Festival, NewFilmmakers NY and First-Time Filmmaker Sessions / Lift-Off Global Network.

  • MA Music Therapy — Neurological Music Therapy

    2019–2020 · ArtEZ University of the Arts

    Specialisation in neurological music therapy. Research focused on the use of music therapy with children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD) and on translating neuroscientific insights into musical and therapeutic practice.

    Pre-Master Music Therapy

    2018–2019 · ArtEZ University of the Arts

    Focus on research skills and the development of musical improvisation techniques across different instruments.

    BA Music in Education

    2013–2017 · ArtEZ Conservatory

    Minors in Cello and Art History.

  • Freelance Musician & Composer

    2017–present

    Composition, performance and interdisciplinary music projects, alongside workshops and music projects within arts, culture and education.

    ArtEZ Conservatory — Music in Education

    2023–2025 · Lecturer · Project Leader · Coordinator

    Teaching, student mentoring, artistic and educational project development and coordination. Projects included Muziek bij de ISK, connecting music-making with newly arrived students and interdisciplinary partners.

    Nederlandse Reisopera

    2020–2022 · Education Officer

    Development and delivery of music and education programmes connected to opera productions for primary and secondary education.

    Phion

    2017–2019 · Education Officer

    Development and delivery of music projects for schools throughout Gelderland and Overijssel, reaching more than 5,000 pupils annually through accessible encounters with live classical music.

  • Composition · Film Music · Cello · Songwriting · Vocals · Improvisation · Arrangement · Sound Design · Field Recording · Interdisciplinary Collaboration · Community Music