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Completely unprepared, I had the honor of receiving the Waalbrug Pin in my hometown from Mayor Hubert Bruls of Nijmegen.
No, I haven't received a royal decoration—nor am I expecting one anytime soon. I'm certainly not waiting for it. As for the Nobel Prize in Literature, that will probably take a bit longer too. But recently, I was granted an award that means far more to me.
Completely unprepared, I had the honor of receiving the Waalbrugspeld from the hands of Mayor Hubert Bruls of Nijmegen, my hometown. A few friends—most notably former Nijmegen alderman Ronald Migo—had secretly arranged it.
I was awarded this honorary distinction for all the programs I made about the Nijmegen Vierdaagse (Four Days Marches), my past role as advisor to professional football club NEC, and the documentary series I produced on the revitalization of the once-neglected working-class Kolping neighborhood in Nijmegen.
I had no idea and was welcomed into a packed venue by dozens of friends, family members, colleagues, Vierdaagse companions, and NEC mates. It felt like a festive reunion. There was music and heartfelt speeches. Rarely at a loss for words, I was completely taken by surprise—and it turned into an afternoon I will never forget.
Together with violinist Anastasia Kozlova, I created a special series at Soestdijk Palace called “Musical Crown Jewels.”
Together with violinist Anastasia Kozlova, I created a special series at Soestdijk Palace called “Musical Crown Jewels.” After a short preparation time, Anastasia managed to organize 16 concerts in just four days, ranging from classical chamber music to Portuguese fado. The events took place in the historic Waterloo Room, which proved to be a magnificent and intimate setting for both the audience and the many musicians.
The concert series attracted significant interest, drawing a diverse audience ranging in age from ten to eighty years—and that was exactly the goal: to connect different audience groups with “the most beautiful music in the world.” From the mural, King William II, “the hero of Waterloo,” looked on as hundreds of listeners were swept away by performances from virtuoso musicians.
