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Anton Frans Jan KersjesDutch conductor.
Date of Birth: 17.08.1923
Country:  Netherlands |
Content:
Early Life and Career
Edo de Waart, a renowned Dutch conductor, began his musical journey as a violinist in the Arnhem Orchestra. Following World War II, he served as both a violinist and conductor in the orchestra of an Amsterdam theater.
Rise to Prominence
In 1953, de Waart took the helm of the Kunstmaand Orkest (Art Month Orchestra), initially established for the eponymous music festival. Under his leadership, the orchestra flourished and attained a high level of professionalism. In 1969, it was renamed the Amsterdam Philharmonic Orchestra.
Advocacy for Shostakovich
De Waart played a pivotal role in popularizing the music of Dmitri Shostakovich in the Netherlands. In 1972 and 1977, he led the orchestra on tours of the USSR. He remained at the helm of the Amsterdam Philharmonic until its dissolution due to organizational changes in 1985.
Other Notable Achievements
Beyond the Amsterdam Philharmonic, de Waart held the position of vice-director at the Maastricht Conservatory. Together with his wife, violinist Margreet van de Groenekan, he established the Kersjes and Van de Groenekan Foundation in 1994. This foundation supports a variety of significant events in Dutch musical life and has awarded three national music prizes since 2002 for young quartets, violinists, and conductors. Additionally, a music festival bearing de Waart's name has been held annually since 2005.
