On Sunday, 31 March, Niek Idelenburg, conductor and founder of the Amsterdams Bach Consort, received the Andreaspenning for his contribution to classical music and the musical experience of young people in Amsterdam. Idelenburg received the award from Deputy Mayor Hester Van Buren after the end of ZappMattheus, an adaptation of the St Matthew Passion he conducted.
The Amsterdams Bach Consort was founded in 1994 by Idelenburg, who was still studying at the conservatory. Under his leadership, the Amsterdam Bach Consort has grown into a much sought-after company that makes classical music accessible to all ages thanks to a combination of dance and theatre. Highlights of his oeuvre with the Amsterdams Bach Consort include ZappMattheus, Zchepping and the Secret of Samson.
Idelenburg also founded Holland Opera, which plays about 100 performances a year and attracts 25,000 visitors. Thanks to Idelenburg’s efforts, many musical talents have been given a stage in recent years. On 1 April 2024, Idelenburg will stop working for the Amsterdam Bach Consort. Holland Opera performed works by Idelenburg himself and also works by Chiel Meijering and more.
The Andreas medal is awarded to people who have made great achievements in the social, cultural, societal or economic field for Amsterdam with a national reputation, and to people who have dedicated themselves as volunteers to a social cause for at least ten years.
Composers in the crosshairs of our attention