By Roy Lie A Tjam.
It was a memorable evening, with elegant performances by harpist Jaike Bakker and flutist Dorine Schade, both members of the Residentie Orkest.
The venue for the Residentie Orkest Business Circle rotates regularly, and on this occasion, the premises of the Rabobank Regio Den Haag, Korte Vijverberg, were chosen. Artistic director Roland Kieft welcomed Business Circle members to the event and offered an exclusive preview of the content of the new concert season.
Actor Aus Greidanus then took the stage to present a resume of his part in the Symphonic Friday, in which he plays composer Alexander Zemlinsky who lost his beloved Alma to Mahler. The first Symphonic Friday features love songs of Alma (herself a composer) by Karin Strobos, and is followed by the first symphony from Gustav Mahler.
Mr Kieft and managing director Sandra Bruinsma together delivered a presentation to the assembled guests. Jaap Wielaart, Chairman of Rabobank Den Haag, then shared with the audience his reflections on the “Speech from the Throne”. He stressed the importance of a strong culture presence in the city of The Hague, observing that this is a key reason for Rabobank’s partnership with the Residentie Orkest.
The Residentie Orkest itself is enjoying great success. Subscriptions for upcoming concerts have increased by 10%, and October’s annual Gala has already sold out. RO publicity is increasingly visible throughout The Hague, with entire trams now bearing its name.
In order to attract new audiences, the organisation intends to begin holding short public lectures, with actors telling a story or enacting classical concert performances.
