‘For me, music is the greatest miracle there is. This power, though invisible, possesses everything that cannot be measured. It makes people happy, teaches them to listen, comforts, relaxes, is exciting, scary, overwhelming, raises questions and teaches interpretation. It is pre-eminently something that connects people, even if only the performer and listener. It gives identity, frames emotions and puts power to any other art form. My goal is to convey the love of music, because I believe everyone can enjoy it as much as I do.’

Rolf Verbeek has been associated with Camerata RCO (members of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra) as permanent guest conductor since 2019. Last season, 2 albums were released with this ensemble, Bruckner’s 6th symphony in his own arrangement and the album Sehnsucht with Barbara Hannigan as soloist.

In recent years Hannigan has fulfilled the role of mentor within the Equilibrium Young Artists program in which Rolf has acted as assistant conductor with many international orchestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra, Munich Philharmoniker, Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.

Rolf is artistic director of the Somer Chamber Orchestra and conducts often orchestras such as the North Netherlands Orchestra, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and Phion. After winning the prestigious Kersjes Prize in 2022, he will make his debut with the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, Brussels Philharmonic and Antwerp Symphony Orchestra in 2024.