Who is Lloyd Van’t Hoff?
I’m an Adelaide-based clarinetist, Lecturer at the Elder Conservatorium, and Artistic Director of Ensemble Lumen. Most of my days are spent performing, teaching, and curating musical things. I’m a chronic overthinker, hopelessly addicted to coffee, love figuring out how things work, and have a slightly obsessive personality – qualities that, surprisingly, come in handy when making music. Maybe that’s why I became a musician. It’s the perfect excuse to be obsessive and overthink everything without anyone calling it a problem.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
Food has always been a bridge between who I am and where I come from. My mum is from the Philippines, and she introduced me to the rich and soulful flavours of her home country – sinigang, adobo, halo-halo. That food has always felt like home to me. Comforting, grounding, and a way of staying connected to my heritage. I often have dreams of starting a Filipino food truck or restaurant with her, sharing those flavours and that sense of connection with the wider community.
Who inspires you and why?
I’m deeply inspired by my students. Watching them face challenges with such openness and courage, and then seeing the joy in their triumphs, is incredibly moving. Their resilience and honesty remind me every day why teaching is so rewarding.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Music already changes the world – I see it every day in how it brings people together. Beyond that, spreading more kindness and taking better care of the planet are probably good places to start.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Probably Paris. I love the food, the history, and the culture – it’s a true mecca for music, and especially for the clarinet. I’m also drawn to the Parisians themselves. Their honesty, their sharp edges, and above all, their commitment to enjoying life. There’s a spirit in Paris that feels both inspiring and grounding every time I’m there.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
Morialta Conservation Park. It’s incredible to see koalas, wallabies, even echidnas in the wild, which I seem lucky enough to experience every time I’m there. If they’re foodies then I take them to Fugazzi – their Gnoccho Fritto is life-changing.
What are you currently reading?
I’m one of those people who so easily gets stuck reading multiple things at once. Currently I’m juggling Good Material by Dolly Alderton and The Shortest History of Music by Andrew Ford.
What are you currently listening to?
Alchymia by Thomas Adés.
Happiness is?
Feeling the sun on my skin, warmth in the air, a coffee in hand, and the ocean just within reach.
What does the future hold for you?
Hopefully more music, learning from my mistakes, and maybe even making some progress with the clarinet. Travel is also a big part of what’s ahead – I’m heading to Singapore soon (my first time there!) and later in the year to Europe, all to perform and teach.
I’m also excited about Ensemble Lumen continuing to grow in 2026, with more concerts and tours nationally and internationally than ever before. It’s very much the life of a wandering minstrel, but a life I wouldn’t swap for anything.
Lloyd is the Artistic Director of Ensemble Lumen – who will perform Radiance on Wednesday 24 September and the Lumen Gala on Wednesday 5 November at Elder Hall in Adelaide (SA). For more information, visit: www.adelaide.edu.au for details.
Image: Lloyd Van’t Hoff – photo by Keith Saunders