STANDING OVATION AT THE CONCERTGEBOUW IN THE PRESENCE OF HER MAJESTY QUEEN BEATRIX

Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands joined a rapturous audience in a standing ovation at the end the European Union Youth Orchestra's concert at the Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam on Tuesday 9 August, where they performed Janacek's Sinfonietta and Bruckner's Symphony No 4 in Eb. 

A long time supporter of the Orchestra, Her Majesty was flanked by the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Andreas van Agt; the former Foreign Minister, Hans van den Broek; the former Culture Minister, Elko Brinkman; and representativies from 20 European embassies. On arrival, Her Majesty was greeted with flowers by the youngest Dutch member of the orchestra, cellist Rebecca Wise, whose own mother was in the EUYO in its early years. Mrs Joy Bryer, the EUYO's Co-Founder and Secretary General then welcomed the Queen and escorted her to a pre-concert reception, attended by members of the diplomatic community and the former Dutch government ministers.

At a post-concert reception, Her Majesty was introduced to a number of people who have worked tirelessly to promote music among young people in the Netherlands, before meeting a musician from each of the European Member states represented in the EUYO, and all the Dutch players. She spoke knowledgeably with them about music for several minutes, and all came away from their encounter utterly spellbound at her grace and quite genuine interest. A 'family' photo with Her Majesty and the EUYO's guest conductor, Jac van Steen, ended the evening on a high.

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