De Nederlandse Opera, Dutch National Ballet and The Amsterdam Music Theatre will merge into a single foundation, effective 1 January 2013. The three organizations, already closely affiliated for many years, will take the final step towards complete integration of the present companies into a single entity: a national top-notch institution for opera and ballet.
Pierre Audi, Artistic director of De Nederlandse Opera, and Ted Brandsen, Artistic director of Dutch National Ballet: ‘The integration of the three organizations is the result of years of outstanding co-operation. We are proud that De Nederlandse Opera and Dutch National Ballet have both earned a place in the ranks of international top-notch companies. We look forward to the future, continuing our ambition to offer innovative and ground-breaking programming. Education and participation projects and audience outreach will likewise remain high on our agenda.’
Truze Lodder, Managing director of De Nederlandse Opera, and Stijn Schoonderwoerd, Managing director of Dutch National Ballet:
‘We were confident in our decision to realize this merger because all three organizations are financially healthy. De Nederlandse Opera, Dutch National Ballet and The Amsterdam Music Theatre have become so thoroughly integrated over the
past 25 years that this is a logical and natural step. As a first-rate institute for opera and ballet, the combined organization will be an interesting partner indeed for sponsors and donors.’
The new entity will be led by an Executive Board consisting of a general director, a director of opera and a director of ballet. The current artistic directors of De Nederlandse Opera and Dutch National Ballet, Pierre Audi and Ted Brandsen, will become directors of opera and ballet, respectively. The Supervisory Boards have already begun their search for a general director. The current managing directors of De Nederlandse Opera and Dutch National Ballet, Truze Lodder and Stijn
Schoonderwoerd, have indicated that they are not available for this position.
The new organization will emphasize the world-class quality of De Nederlandse Opera and Dutch National Ballet, each of which will retain its individual name. The merger will allow for increased competitiveness, offer a clearer profile through a more streamlined management, and facilitate a more robust approach to cultural entrepreneurship. An integrated policy in terms of marketing, communication, sales, relation management, fund-raising and sponsorship offers opportunities to broaden income.