Willem Mengelberg Society: appreciation of a rich past

About Us

Through this website, the Willem Mengelberg Society (WMS) addresses all admirers of Willem Mengelberg’s art of interpretation.

Activities

The activities of the Willem Mengelberg Society focus on the life and artistic significance of Willem Mengelberg (1871–1951), who served as chief conductor of the Amsterdam Concertgebouw Orchestra for nearly 50 years. While the Society is fully aware of the controversial aspects of Mengelberg’s life, its primary aim is to highlight his historical importance as a performing artist and his extensive musical legacy.

The Willem Mengelberg Society

  • publishes restored recordings of Mengelberg on CD and sells them directly via its webshop; international distribution is handled by Brilliant Classics.
  • publishes the magazine WM, which also devotes considerable attention to Mengelberg’s contemporaries and the rich history of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
  • organizes themed gatherings for members (non-members are always welcome!).
  • owns this unique website.

Board

  • Frits Zwart (Chair)
  • Margaret Hukom (Secretary)
  • Gijs Onstein (Treasurer)
  • Paul Osseweijer
  • Annette den Heijer

Honorary Chair

  • Riccardo Chailly
Riccardo Chailly