Theo Verbey (5 July 1959-13 October 2019) was a Dutch composer of contemporary classical music. His style – which has been described as energetic and appealing – is known for its elegance, rhythmically transparent approach and rich instrumentation. Theo’s orchestral, chamber and vocal works are favorites with listeners and musicians and never fail to touch the hearts of those who hear them. His commitment to teaching has also paved the way for new musicians, creating a legacy that will last for generations to come. Commissioned by and written to commemorate the Dutch Year of the Mines 18' 3.3.3.3.-4.3.3.1-timp-5perc-hp-strings: 16.14.12.10.8 A stunning new live recording of the Concertgebouw Orchestra conducted by Shiyeon Sung. “The title of my orchestral work Lumen ad Finem Cuniculi means: Light at the end of the tunnel. It is a one-movement piece for orchestra, composed in 2015. For some time I had been intending to compose a sequel to my 2009 orchestral work, Orchestral Variations. I wanted to again use the set-up in which a quartet consisting of two marimbas and two vibraphones forms a prominent rhythm section within the orchestra. […] The reason for writing the piece is the proclamation of 2015 as the Dutch Year of the Mines. Fifty years ago, the mines in South Limburg, the Netherlands, were closed.” – Theo Verbey Ensemble Aedes, Les SièclesMathieu Romano Stravinsky Of all Stravinsky’s works, Les Noces has undergone the most transformations. The composer reworked the orchestration for nearly ten years and produced three versions. It is the little-known 1919 version (completed by Theo Verbey), which is performed here by the Ensemble Aedes and Les Siècles, directed by Mathieu Romano. Reputedly the composer’s favorite version, it is scored for harmonium, two cimbaloms, pianola, chorus and four soloists, and is considered the best reflection of the prosody and the work’s folk spirit. 06 Jun 2023 Royal Conservatoire The Hague, Amare | The Hague, Netherlands Aaron SmallAndrea Vasi Bach, Beethoven, Wagner, Bruckner, Debussy, Mahler, Messiaen, Korngold, Verbey 19 Mar 2023 Citykerk Het Steiger/Sint Dominicus | Hang 18, 3011 GG Rotterdam Cappella GabrieliMaarten Michielsen Palestrina, Gesualdo, Brahms, and Schönberg, among others 8 Sep 2023 The Dutch National Cello Competition is one of the most exciting part of Amsterdam's famous Cello Biennale. In 2006, founder Maarten Mostert commissioned Theo Verbey to write his 'Five Pieces for Violoncello Solo' for the first edition of the competition, now being held for the ninth time. As Verbey said, 'The subjects of the five movements are partly musical, and partly technical. In terms of content, these pieces are somewhere between etudes and concert pieces.' 12 Aug 2023 Theo Verbey (1959-2019) composed contemporary classical music and lived in Amsterdam’s Watergraafsmeer district. He was and still is relatively well known abroad. After he died, his widow Eileen Stevens established the Theo Verbey Foundation to keep Theo’s music from being forgotten. His music can be heard on Spotify, for example. Oost Online contributor Oscar Smit, celebrated pop music journalist and DJ, had a pleasant conversation with Theo’s widow. 11 Apr 2023 'Hearing Stravinsky’s long-desired but originally unfulfilled version of Les Noces – so compellingly realised between Verbey and these fine musicians – is worth the price of entry alone.' - by Daniel JafféContemporary Classical Music Composer
Latest News
Verbey’s ‘Five Pieces for Violoncello Solo’ a round-two selection for the Dutch National Cello Copetition
Foundation aims to preserve the legacy of composer Theo Verbey
BBC Music Magazine gives Stravinsky: Les Noces 5 stars!