The Dolf van der Linden Metropole Orchestra is a renowned classical music ensemble that has been entertaining audiences for over 75 years. Founded in 1945 by Dutch conductor Dolf van der Linden, the orchestra has become one of the most respected and versatile ensembles in the world. Dolf van der Linden was born in Vlaardingen, Netherlands in 1915. He began his musical career as a pianist and composer, but soon turned to conducting. In 1945, he founded the Metropole Orchestra, which was originally known as the AVRO Dance Orchestra. The orchestra was created to provide music for radio broadcasts, and quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality performances. Over the years, the Dolf van der Linden Metropole Orchestra has had many talented musicians as members. Some of the most notable include saxophonist Piet Noordijk, trumpeter Ack van Rooyen, and pianist Pim Jacobs. The orchestra has also worked with many famous soloists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, and Dizzy Gillespie. One of the highlights of the Dolf van der Linden Metropole Orchestra's career was its performance at the 1960 Eurovision Song Contest. The orchestra accompanied Dutch singer Rudi Carrell, who performed the song "Wat een geluk" ("What Luck"). The performance was a huge success, and helped to establish the orchestra's reputation as one of the best in Europe. In addition to its work in the Eurovision Song Contest, the Dolf van der Linden Metropole Orchestra has also performed at many other major events. The orchestra has played at the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Montreux Jazz Festival, and the BBC Proms. It has also performed with many famous conductors, including Leonard Bernstein and André Previn. Over the years, the Dolf van der Linden Metropole Orchestra has won many awards and accolades. In 1961, the orchestra won the Edison Award for its album "Metropole Orkest in Stereo." The orchestra has also been nominated for several Grammy Awards, and has won the Dutch equivalent of the Grammy, the Gouden Harp, multiple times. Despite its many achievements, the Dolf van der Linden Metropole Orchestra has faced some challenges over the years. In the 1980s, the orchestra was threatened with closure due to budget cuts. However, a public campaign to save the orchestra was successful, and it continues to perform to this day. Today, the Dolf van der Linden Metropole Orchestra is still going strong. The orchestra has expanded its repertoire to include many different styles of music, including jazz, pop, and classical. It continues to perform at major events and venues around the world, and is widely regarded as one of the best orchestras in Europe. In conclusion, the Dolf van der Linden Metropole Orchestra is a classical music ensemble with a rich history and a bright future. Founded by Dutch conductor Dolf van der Linden in 1945, the orchestra has become one of the most respected and versatile ensembles in the world. With its talented musicians, famous soloists, and impressive list of performances and awards, the Dolf van der Linden Metropole Orchestra is sure to continue entertaining audiences for many years to come.

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