Concertgebouw Orchestra - 287 words
Based in Amsterdam, the Concertgebouw Orchestra was founded in 1888. It officially received the appellation ‘Royal’ on the occasion of its Centenary Celebration in 1988. Queen Máxima of the Netherlands is patroness.
The Concertgebouw Orchestra has always collaborated with the world’s greatest conductors and soloists. Such composers as Richard Strauss, Gustav Mahler and Igor Stravinsky all conducted the orchestra on more than one occasion. To this day, the orchestra continues to foster long-term relationships with contemporary composers.
The orchestra’s very distinct, individual sound is partly due to the unique acoustics of The Concertgebouw. Another determining factor is the influence of the chief conductors, of whom there have been seven to date: Willem Kes, Willem Mengelberg, Eduard van Beinum, Bernard Haitink, Riccardo Chailly, Mariss Jansons and Daniele Gatti. In June 2022 it was announced that Klaus Mäkelä is joining the orchestra as artistic partner with effect from the 2022-23 season, and will be chief conductor from 2027.
In addition to some eighty concerts performed at The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the orchestra gives forty concerts at other major concert halls throughout the world. The orchestra expands its reach through videos, streaming, and radio and television broadcasts. It also releases CD and DVD recordings on its Concertgebouworkest Live label.
The Academy of the Concertgebouw Orchestra successfully moulds young, talented musicians into orchestral players of the highest calibre. Every summer, Concertgebouworkest Young brings together hidden talent aged fourteen to seventeen from all over Europe.
The Concertgebouw Orchestra is co-funded by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the Municipality of Amsterdam, sponsors, funds and numerous donors all over the world. The largest portion of its income is generated by proceeds from the concerts it gives in and outside the Netherlands.