Role

:

Conductor

Birth

:

1951 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Concerto

 

Arie Van Beek is a renowned Dutch conductor and pianist who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on May 8, 1951, in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Van Beek showed an early interest in music and began playing the piano at the age of six. He went on to study at the Rotterdam Conservatory, where he received his diploma in piano performance in 1974. After completing his studies, Van Beek began his career as a pianist, performing in various concerts and recitals across Europe. However, he soon realized that his true passion lay in conducting, and he decided to pursue this path. He went on to study conducting at the Rotterdam Conservatory and later at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. Van Beek's talent as a conductor was soon recognized, and he was appointed as the principal conductor of the Rotterdam Youth Orchestra in 1980. He held this position for six years and helped to establish the orchestra as one of the leading youth orchestras in Europe. During this time, he also conducted several other orchestras, including the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and the Netherlands Radio Symphony Orchestra. In 1986, Van Beek was appointed as the principal conductor of the Arnhem Philharmonic Orchestra, a position he held for ten years. During his tenure, he led the orchestra in several acclaimed performances and recordings, including a complete cycle of Beethoven's symphonies. He also collaborated with several renowned soloists, including pianist Maria João Pires and violinist Gidon Kremer. In 1996, Van Beek was appointed as the principal conductor of the Orchestre de Picardie in France, a position he held for eight years. During his time with the orchestra, he helped to raise its profile and establish it as one of the leading orchestras in France. He also conducted several acclaimed performances and recordings, including a complete cycle of Mozart's symphonies. Van Beek has also conducted several other orchestras, including the Royal Flemish Philharmonic, the Brussels Philharmonic, and the National Orchestra of Belgium. He has collaborated with several renowned soloists, including pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet and cellist Gautier Capuçon. In addition to his work as a conductor, Van Beek is also a respected teacher and mentor. He has taught conducting at several conservatories, including the Rotterdam Conservatory and the Royal Conservatory in The Hague. He has also served as a guest conductor and teacher at several international music festivals, including the Aspen Music Festival and School in the United States and the Pacific Music Festival in Japan. Van Beek has received several awards and honors for his contributions to the world of classical music. In 1999, he was awarded the Knight's Cross of the Order of Orange-Nassau by the Dutch government for his services to music. In 2006, he was awarded the Prix Caecilia by the Belgian music press for his recording of Beethoven's symphonies with the Royal Flemish Philharmonic. Van Beek continues to be an active and influential figure in the world of classical music. He is currently the principal conductor of the Orchestre Symphonique de Bretagne in France and the artistic director of the International Music Festival in Dinard, France. He also continues to conduct and teach at various music festivals and conservatories around the world.

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