Edo de Waart is in the Netherlands this week to announce his retirement after an extraordinary career spanning six decades. The occasion is marked today by a celebration in Hilversum with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra where he was Principal Conductor from 1989 to 2004 and retains the title of Conductor Laureate to this day.

Over his extensive career, Edo has been Music Director of some of the most prestigious international institutions: the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Dutch National Opera, Minnesota Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Sante Fe Opera, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, and Antwerp Symphony Orchestra. His close relationship with the San Diego Symphony led to his appointment as Principal Guest Conductor in 2019, and he also continues to hold a Laureate title with his orchestra in Milwaukee. He has a special connection with the Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, and he is delighted to share this moment with them. 

Jasper Parrott, Executive Chairman, has written, ​“at a very early stage in the establishment of HarrisonParrott in the early 1970s I was fortunate in meeting and then bonding with Edo as he ignited a new and exciting era for classical music both as the charismatic Chief of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and of the brilliant and unruly Netherlands Wind Ensemble. His groundbreaking brilliance felt like the perfect partner for Terry Harrison and me in our disruptive search for change in the staid and static world of that time. I am proud to honour him as a great master of his art, for his inspiring leadership around the world in promoting and inspiring such a vast and inclusive repertoire of great music.”

Ed Milner, Director, adds, ​“it has been a huge privilege to work alongside Edo for the last 18 years, which is only a small part of what has been a truly exceptional career. As well as experiencing such memorable music making, my deep fondness for him is part of what makes the job of a manager so special, and he is looked upon with great affection from all of his team here at HP.”