Rolf Verbeek
conductor
"For me, music is the greatest miracle there is. This power, though invisible, possesses everything that cannot be measured. It makes people happy, teaches them to listen, comforts, relaxes, is exciting, scary, overwhelming, raises questions and teaches interpretation. It is pre-eminently something that connects people, even if only the performer and listener. It gives identity, frames emotions and puts power to any other art form. My goal is to convey the love of music, because I believe everyone can enjoy it as much as I do."
Rolf Verbeek is a permanent guest conductor with Camerata RCO (members of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra) and artistic director of the Somer Chamber Orchestra. He also regularly conducts orchestras such as the North Netherlands Orchestra, Phion, the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Rotterdam Philharmonic. Within the Equilibrium Young Artists program, under Barbara Hannigan’s mentorship, Rolf worked as assistant conductor with orchestras like the London Symphony Orchestra and Münchner Philharmoniker. In 2022, he received the Kersjes Prize for his clear, communicative style.