In memoriam Huub van Dael – A visionary leader with lasting impact on the Doelen
On November 1, 2000, Huub van Dael retired as director of De Doelen, after an impressive career of thirty years. Under his leadership, De Doelen grew into a dynamic and versatile cultural center, deeply rooted in the musical life of Rotterdam.
In 1990, Van Dael founded the DoelenEnsemble together with composer Peter-Jan Wagemans – a house ensemble that focuses on twentieth-century music and involving the audience through light, video and dance. To this day, this ensemble remains a leader in contemporary music practice. Despite changing stages, jazz remained a permanent fixture in the program. Van Dael defended the genre with conviction and kept it alive at the heart of the programming.
His farewell was celebrated in style: an official concert with big names such as Frans Brüggen and Elly Ameling, and an informal party full of humor and warmth. He was decorated with, among other things, the title Officer in the Order of Orange-Nassau and the Wolfert van Borselen Medal.
Huub van Dael leaves an indelible impression. His commitment to artistic innovation, programmatic diversity and audience involvement continues to be a source of inspiration for the cultural sector!
Thank you, Huub.
