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."

ROTTERDAM, 28 May 2024 – Hoogvliet supermarket has commenced the donation of surplus goods from its e-commerce distribution centre to the Rotterdam-based organisation, SharEaty. The donated items will be distributed across various community kitchens in the city.

Hoogvliet supermarket begins donation of surplus food to SharEaty

On Monday, 27 May 2024, Hoogvliet supermarket handed over the first surplus goods from its e-commerce distribution centre to SharEaty. This collaboration aims to combat food waste and poverty in Rotterdam. SharEaty will now collect surplus products daily and distribute them to social kitchens in community centres, primary schools, and homeless shelters in Rotterdam.

SharEaty's mission to reduce food waste and poverty

SharEaty is a Rotterdam-based organisation dedicated to reducing food waste and fighting poverty by collecting surplus food from producers and supermarkets. These ingredients are then delivered to social kitchens in the Rotterdam area, where they are used to prepare meals for those in need. Petra Vennegoor, an ambassador for SharEaty who facilitated the partnership with Hoogvliet, expressed her gratitude: "Thanks to Hoogvliet for donating surplus food. This collaboration once again proves that wasting food is completely unnecessary. Hoogvliet recognises that by working together, we can make a greater impact, whether it's reducing food waste or helping someone in need; together, we achieve more."

Shared vision for nutritious meals

Hoogvliet shares SharEaty's belief that everyone deserves a nutritious, healthy meal. The supermarket is keen to support SharEaty's goal of providing 1 million meals and reducing CO2 emissions by 1.5 million kilos. The initiative ensures that food products, which can no longer be sold online, are now directed to people in the immediate vicinity of Hoogvliet's Rotterdam branches, rather than being discarded.

ROTTERDAM, 4 April 2024 – The first Rotterdam Citizens' Assembly on Climate has officially been established, involving 117 citizens through a random selection process to shape the city's climate initiatives.

In a pioneering move for civic engagement, Rotterdam has inaugurated its first Citizens' Assembly on Climate, engaging 117 locals to deliberate and decide on the city's approach to climate challenges. The assembly represents a balanced mix of genders, age groups, educational levels, and residents from various neighbourhoods. These participants will commence their deliberations on solutions for climate issues starting 16 April, with an advisory report to be presented to the city council this autumn.

Diverse representation

The assembly members predominantly range between 26 and 45 years old, but all age groups from 16 to over 66 are included, mirroring the demographic diversity of Rotterdam. The educational backgrounds of the members vary significantly, ensuring a broad spectrum of perspectives in the discussions.

Ideation and collaboration

Throughout six sessions from April to September, the assembly members will deepen their understanding of climate issues and collaborate on potential solutions. No prior expertise is required, as the assembly encourages input based on the members' experiences as residents. They will also have opportunities to consult experts and participate in city excursions. All residents of Rotterdam are invited to contribute their ideas and suggest sites for the assembly to visit through the city's portal until 9 April.

Recommendations to the city council

The assembly will independently determine necessary measures to counter climate change, potentially advocating for increased water retention, energy conservation, or urban greenery. The city council has expressed its intent to seriously consider the assembly's recommendations, which are anticipated in the coming autumn.

Selection process

To ensure a diverse group, two rounds of lottery were conducted. Initially, 10,000 residents were randomly selected from the population registry in February, receiving invitations to apply. From 358 respondents, 117 were chosen, with attention paid to a balanced representation across various demographic factors.

Climate goals

By 2030, Rotterdam aims to reduce its CO2 emissions by 55% from 1990 levels, with the ultimate goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The Citizens' Assembly on Climate is a strategic step to harness local ingenuity and creativity in meeting these ambitious objectives.

ROTTERDAM, 4 April 2024 – A new initiative, Pitch Parade, has been launched to empower the youth of Zuid-Holland to bring their cultural and social visions to life. Funding and support are available for young individuals aiming to make a difference in their communities.

Pitch parade: empowering young voices

The Kunstgebouw and the VSBfonds have collaborated to create the Pitch Parade, a platform aimed at supporting youth between the ages of 15 and 27 from small to medium-sized municipalities in Zuid-Holland. The initiative offers financial support and guidance to help young people execute their cultural and societal projects. Initially launched in Vlaardingen, the programme is set to expand to six additional municipalities in 2024.

Opportunities for youth

Participants in the Pitch Parade can engage in a variety of projects, from organizing festivals to starting community gardens or reading clubs. The initiative helps to realize these ideas and contributes to the personal development of the participants and their community engagement. Winners of the pitch receive up to €2,500 per project, with each municipality allocating a total of €5,000 for multiple projects. This financial support is complemented by professional guidance from Kunstgebouw and local cultural centres.

Benefits and learning outcomes

By participating in the Pitch Parade, young people gain valuable experience in pitching ideas and applying for grants, thereby enhancing their skills and expanding their networks. This opportunity allows them to actively contribute to their communities, achieving personal growth and societal impact.

Upcoming events and participation

The next Pitch Parade event is scheduled for 17 April 2024 at the Centrum voor de Kunsten in Spijkenisse. The event begins at 19:00. Those interested in participating or seeking more information can visit www.pitchparade.nl. Future events are planned for Capelle aan den IJssel, Rijswijk, Schiedam, Zoetermeer, and Zwijndrecht throughout 2024.

Directions to the Centrum voor de Kunsten

The Centrum voor de Kunsten in Spijkenisse is located centrally, easily accessible by public transport and car.