Amsterdam's world-famous Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (RCO) is clearly dedicated to putting its money where its mouth is, so to speak, when it comes to European unity. The RCO has just announced that over the next two-and-half seasons it will be touring to each and every one of the European Union's 28 member states. General manager Jan Raes explained of the tour that it is important to show dedication to a united continent at such a volatile time in our history. The orchestra also broke the news this month that Huang Ruo has just been hired as the RCO's first ever composer-in-residence.
Once the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra inaugurates Daniele Gatti as chief conductor September 9, the world renowned symphony orchestra will be embarking on an epic European tour that will include all 28 of the European Union's member states.
In a recent interview to promote the upcoming tour, general manager Jan Raes explained that as world events seemed evermore chaotic, it was the RCO's hope to strengthen the fraternal bonds of the EU's members before it is too late (via Classical Music):
"Music can help people to share thoughts, ideas and feelings; the concert as an experience brings and binds people together. Orchestral music in particular symbolizes the idea of 'equality through diversity' -- the true sense of polyphony.
"In the face of political and economic challenges, now more than ever, we need to celebrate this uniquely European invention, which allows us to express a single idea through many voices so that we can discover the endless possibilities open to us to continue our journey into the future."
In addition to announcing its ambitious tour schedule, the RSO has also brought in Mannes School of Music Composition faculty member, Huang Ruo, as the Concertgebouw's first ever composer-in-residence.
Ruo's residency is set to run through the 2015-16 season, during which time the Chinese-American composer will write several works to be premiered at the historic concert hall (via New School News):
"I have the wonderful privilege of living in the great city of Amsterdam for several months, where I will create new work inspired by my new life there."
To learn more about the RCO and its epic European tour be sure to check out its official website.
