Header image of Theo Verbey, sitting on a concrete walkway with water on both sides
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Contemporary Classical Music Composer

Bio

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.

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FeaturedRecording

Commissioned by AVROTROS Vrijdagconcert with support from the Fonds Podium Kunsten / Performing Arts Fund NL

Traurig wie der Tod (2014-2015)

20'  2.2.2.4 - 4.2.2.3.1- timp, 3perc[1.Tenor Drum, Tamtam, Triangle 2. Bass Drum 3. 2 Bells in C and G, behind the scene (These bells are the same as in the Symphony Fantastique by Hector Berlioz) - 2hp - str(16.14.12.10.8) Large Mixed Choir SATB

The release of the landmark digital recording of Theo Verbey’s Traurig wie der Tod is a milestone in the Theo Verbey Foundation’s efforts to preserve and distribute Verbey’s music. Traurig wie der Tod is a twenty-minute cycle of five songs for choir and orchestra, interspersed with instrumental interludes. The work – commissioned by AVROTROS Vrijdagconcert – eulogizes sorrow from various perspectives and is based on poems from The Chinese Flute, Hans Bethge’s 1907 collection of German reinterpretations of ancient Chinese poems (the same source was used by Gustav Mahler for Das Lied von der Erde).

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Upcoming Events

Dutch National Cello Competition, Second round

05 Nov 2024

Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Beethoven, Kodály, Verbey, van Geel, Bulsink, Kyriakides, Hamel, Zuidam, Loevendie, Padding, Tsoupaki, Zimbalist

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17 Jan 2024

Review of Theo Verbey – Five Pieces for Violoncello

There is no question that Verbey knew very well how to write for cello...

8 Sep 2023

Verbey’s ‘Five Pieces for Violoncello Solo’ a round-two selection for the Dutch National Cello Copetition

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

Foundation aims to preserve the legacy of composer Theo Verbey

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.