The Netherlands Wind Ensemble

The Netherlands Wind Ensemble originated in 1959 under the direction of Thom de Klerk, who served as principal bassoonist with the Concertgebouw Orchestra while also instructing at the Conservatory of Amsterdam. From among the Conservatory’s finest students he assembled the group’s initial roster. International recognition had already arrived when de Klerk’s sudden death occurred in 1966. Edo de Waart, a former principal oboist of the same orchestra, then assumed the role of music director and, through an active schedule of tours and recordings, secured the ensemble’s lasting worldwide profile. Although its central focus remained repertoire for woodwind octet—two each of oboes, clarinets, bassoons, and horns—the group frequently enlarged its forces for broader works. A thorough renewal took place in 1988 when younger players drawn from various Dutch orchestras succeeded many veteran members. Unconventional programming that set pieces by Mozart and Strauss alongside newly commissioned scores, frequently from Dutch composers, helped the ensemble reach an unusually wide and varied public. Beginning in 1972 it has given a widely attended New Year concert each year at the Concertgebouw, an event broadcast on television since 1995.