Noord Nederlands Orkest

Het Noord Nederlands Orkest (NNO; English, North Netherlands Symphony Orchestra^[1]) is a Dutch symphony orchestra based in Groningen. The NNO performs at De Oosterpoort in Groningen and also on a regular basis at these venues in the provinces of Groningen, Friesland and Drenthe:

Drachten, De Lawei
Emmen, Atlas Theater
Hoogeveen, De Tamboer
Leeuwarden, De Harmonie
Meppel, Schouwburg Ogterop
Stadskanaal, Theater Geert Teis

History

The historical roots of the NNO date back to 1862, when the Orkest der Vereeniging De Harmonie (Orchestra of the Society De Harmonie) was established in Groningen. This orchestra attained independent status in 1926 under the name Groninger Orkest Vereeniging, which was further renamed the Noordelijk Filharmonisch Orkest (NFO) in 1962. In 1989, the NFO was merged with a second orchestra, the Frysk Orkest (originally from Leeuwarden), to establish the NNO in its present form.

The first chief conductor of the NNO was Jacek Kaspszyk, from 1991 to 1995. Subsequent chief conductors included Hans Drewanz (1995–1997) and Viktor Liberman (1997–1999). Alexander Vedernikov held the title of principal guest conductor (vaste gastdirigent) from 2001 to 2003. Michel Tabachnik was chief conductor from 2005^[2] to 2011, and now has the title of conductor laureate. In March 2011, the NNO announced the appointment of Stefan Asbury as its chief conductor, as of the 2011–2012 season, with an initial contract of 3 years.^[3]^[4] Asbury stood down from the post in 2015.^[5]

In 2018, Eivind Gullberg Jensen first guest-conducted the NNO. Jensen returned for two additional guest-conducting engagements, the most recent in September 2021. In October 2021, the NNO announced the appointment of Jensen as its next chief conductor, effective with the 2022–2023 season.^[5]^[6]

The orchestra's most recent managing director was Ingeborg Walinga, who was named to the post in March 2011 and formally assumed the title on 1 June 2011.^[7] Walinga concluded her tenure in the post in 2021.^[8] In October 2021, the NNO announced the appointment of Liesbeth Kok as its next managing director, effective 1 January 2022.^[9]

The NNO has made commercial recordings for such labels as Donemus and MuziekGroep Nederland, including music of Dutch composers such as Jacob van Domselaer and Jacob ter Veldhuis.

Chief conductors

Jacek Kaspszyk (1991–1995)
Hans Drewanz (1995–1997)
Viktor Liberman (1997–1999)
Michel Tabachnik (2005–2011)
Stefan Asbury (2011–2015)
Eivind Gullberg Jensen (designate, effective 2022)

References

^ The literal English translation is 'North Netherlands Orchestra'. The NNO uses the English-language name 'North Netherlands Symphony Orchestra' on the English-language version of its webpage.
^ "Tabachnik dirigent Noord Nederlands Orkest". Trouw. 2005-01-25. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
^ "Nieuwe Chef-dirigent Noord Nederlands Orkest" (Press release). Noord Nederlands Orkest. 17 March 2011. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
^ "Stefan Asbury (45) nieuwe chef-dirigent Noord Nederlands Orkest". Groninger Gezinsbode. 2011-03-17. Retrieved 2011-01-30.
^ ^a ^b Merlijn Kerkhof (2021-10-29). "Eindelijk beet: na zeven jaar krijgt het Noord Nederlands Orkest weer een chef-dirigent". de Volksrant. Retrieved 2021-10-29.
^ "Eivind Gullberg Jensen wordt chef-dirigent bij het Noord Nederlands Orkest" (Press release). Noord Nederlands Orkest. 29 October 2021. Retrieved 2021-10-29.
^ "Nieuwe Algemeen Directeur Noord Nederlands Orkest" (Press release). Noord Nederlands Orkest. 24 March 2011. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
^ "Ingeborg Walinga wordt nieuwe dean Prins Claus Conservatorium Hanzehogeschool" (Press release). Noord Nederlands Orkest. 16 July 2021. Retrieved 2021-10-29.
^ "Liesbeth Kok nieuwe algemeen directeur NNO" (Press release). Noord Nederlands Orkest. 25 October 2011. Retrieved 2021-10-29.