Concertgebouw orchestra inaugurated in Amsterdam (1888)

The Concertgebouw Orchestra was established in 1888 at the Amsterdam Royal Concertgebouw and gave its first concert there on 3 November 1888, several months after the hall's opening on 11 April 1888. Willem Kes served as the inaugural chief conductor from the founding until 1895.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. The Concertgebouw building in Amsterdam was completed in late 1886 but its grand opening was delayed until 11 April 1888 due to difficulties with the municipality of Nieuwer-Amstel regarding canal filling, road paving, and street lights. The hall opened with an inaugural concert featuring an orchestra of 120 musicians and a chorus of 500 singers.

Orchestra Founding. The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra was established in 1888 at the Amsterdam Royal Concertgebouw. It gave its first concert in the hall on 3 November 1888, initially known as the Concertgebouw Orchestra. The orchestra was later granted the royal prefix in 1988 for its centenary.

Inaugural Conductor. Willem Kes served as the orchestra's chief conductor from its 1888 founding to 1895. The orchestra had a complex roster of conductors for its first 75 years, but only seven chief conductors in total, setting it apart from other orchestras of similar age.

People involved

Sources

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