ROTTERDAM, 30 May 2024 – The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra has announced the appointment of a new management team starting 19 August 2024. Rob Streevelaar will assume the role of General Director, while Piet van Gennip will become the Business Director.
New management for Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra from 19 August 2024
The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and its Supervisory Board have confirmed the appointment of a new management team, effective from 19 August 2024. Rob Streevelaar will take over as General Director, and Piet van Gennip will become the new Business Director.
Allard Castelein, representing the Supervisory Board, stated: "With this new management team, we have secured leaders who can advance this top orchestra in the coming years. Both have proven their worth in the sector and can build a more future-proof Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra with their extensive experience. We are confident that they will successfully realise their ambitions for classical music and the broader cultural sector."
Rob Streevelaar's extensive experience
Rob Streevelaar will succeed George Wiegel, who is retiring after 20 years with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra (RPhO), including 11 years as a trombonist and 9 years as General Director. Streevelaar has a rich background as a performing musician and educator, having taught at the Rotterdam Conservatory (Codarts) where he studied clarinet. As the director of the SKVR Music School in Rotterdam, he initiated the 'Ieder kind een Instrument' (Every Child an Instrument) programme, making music accessible to children who would not typically have the opportunity.
In 2008, Streevelaar became the director of the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra|Netherlands Chamber Orchestra. He was responsible for appointing chief conductors Marc Albrecht and Lorenzo Viotti. Under his leadership, the orchestra engaged a younger and broader audience through innovative programming and established unique housing in a former church in Amsterdam-Oost, known as the NedPhO Koepel. He is currently serving as interim director for Philzuid.
Rob Streevelaar expressed his enthusiasm: "It's wonderful to return to ‘the harbour’. The fantastic Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, with which I grew up and which ignited my love for the symphony orchestra and classical music, is a joy to rejoin. I look forward to working with the musicians, Lahav, the staff, and both familiar and new partners to build the future. We will build on the orchestra's excellent quality with an inviting programme in this dynamic city filled with music."
Piet van Gennip's vision for the future
Piet van Gennip will replace interim director Jaap Lampe as Business Director. Trained as a violinist at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and an economist at the University of Amsterdam, Van Gennip brings a diverse background. He has worked with the Dutch government (Ministry of Finance) and in the private sector (including Berenschot). For the past decade, he served as the director of the Ballet Orchestra, where he established a clear positioning and a new name for the orchestra. His leadership significantly enhanced collaborations with the orchestra's partners, Het Nationale Ballet and NDT, and saw artistic growth.
Piet van Gennip commented: "The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra combines international class with the proximity of a city orchestra. This exciting combination in the Netherlands' most vibrant city greatly appeals to me. I look forward to strengthening the organisation and expanding the financial foundation so that we can offer even more to the people of Rotterdam and shine on both national and international stages."
