The competition is organized by a foundation created in memory of its namesake Theo Tromp (1903-1984), a prominent Eindhoven businessman and strong advocate of culture.
Through his legacy and the generous support of the city of Eindhoven, the competition has become an event with international allure.
Among its laureates are distinguished musicians like percussionists Claire Edwardes (Australia), Yi-Ping Yang (Taiwan) and Alexej Gerassimez (Germany).
Jury-members of the past have included Evelyn Glennie, Colin Currie, Peter Sadlo, Nancy Zeltsman, Emmanuel Séjourné, Bill Cahn, James Wood, Anders Loguin, Andre Pushkarev, Trilok Gurtu and Terry Bozzio.
During previous editions, composers such as Louis Andriessen (2000), Jacob ter Veldhuis (2006), Steve Martland (2008) and Michael Torke (2010) have created the special TROMP composition.
Nico Muhly was given the task of composing the compulsory work, which will be performed for the first time during the final by the contestants together with Colin Currie and Britten Sinfonia, directed by Bas Wiegers.
During season 12/13, Nico Muhly is composer in residence of Muziekgebouw Eindhoven for the fourth consecutive year.
In recent years he has been commissioned to write pieces by the Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest, Asko|Schönberg, the Storioni Festival and violinist Janine Jansen.