Amsterdam Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (RCO) Forerunners

Orchestras in Amsterdam around 1880

Amsterdam Park Orchestra

• Existed from 1849 until 1885.
• Grew from 35 to 70 musicians (in Niels Gades time).
• Forrunner of the Amsterdam Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (RCO).
• Hall: Amsterdam Parkzaal (Park hall).
• Conductor: Niels Wilhelm Gade (1817-1890).
• Conductor: Willem Stumpff (1826-1912).

Amsterdam Felix Meritis Orchestra

• Professionals.
• The orchestra of Felix Meritis was considered the best in the Netherlands, and under the direction of conductor Johannes van Bree gave many Dutch premieres.
• Hall: Amsterdam Felix Meritis.
• Conductor: Johannes Verhulst (1816-1891).

Amsterdam Caecilia Orchestra

• Hall:
• Conductor: Johannes Verhulst (1816-1891).

Amsterdam Paleis voor Volksvlijt Orchestra

• Existed from 1865 until 1895.
• No great reputation.
• Forrunner of the Amsterdam Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (RCO).
• Hall: Amsterdam Paleis voor Volksvlijt (Palace of Popular Diligence).
• Conductor: Johan M. Coenen (1824-1899).

Amsterdam Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra

• Established: Year 1888.
• The first reason was a concert by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) on 27-02-1884 in Amsterdam where Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) lost his confidence in the Dutch orchestras. Julius Rontgen (1855-1932) and others felt embarrassed.
• The second reason was a performance by Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) on 11-1885 in the Old Schouwburg of Amsterdam with the Meininger Hofkapelle in Amsterdam. Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) conducted his Symphony No. 4. (Hans von Bulow (1830-1894) had given the lead for this event to Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)). This performance showed what a disciplined ensemble was capable of. This was the positive impulse that ultimately led to the establishment of the Amsterdam Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (RCO).
• Initiative by:
  1. Abraham Frans Karel Hartogh (1844-1901)
  2. Jerome Alexander Sillem (1840-1912)
  3. Dirk Herbert Joosten (1840-1930)
  4. Pieter Anton Lodewijk van Ogtrop (1835-1903)
  5. Hendrik Jan de Marez Oyens (1843-1911)
  6. Wilhelm Cnoop Koopmans (1837-1895)
• 08-06-1888 Vacancy in the Algemeen Dagblad newspaper for a director of an orchestra to be formed. Without succes. Hans von Bulow (1830-1894), Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) and Henri Viotta (1848-1933) were asked. The first conducter became Willem Kes (1856-1934).
• Hall: Amsterdam Royal Concertgebouw.
• See: Amsterdam Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (RCO).