Marijn Mijnders joined the orchestra in 1989
Second concertmaster of Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Marijn Mijnders is retiring from the role after nearly four decades.
On social media, the orchestra said of the news: ’Marijn, thank you for your incredible dedication, artistry, and the countless unforgettable moments on stage. We’re deeply grateful for everything you’ve brought to our orchestra. Wishing you a wonderful new chapter – you will be greatly missed!’
Originally from The Hague, Mijnders gained early orchestral experience with the Hofstads Youth Orchestra. She eventually went on the study at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague under Davina van Wely. In 1985, after graduating, the violinist received the Nicolaï Prize as well as the Prize of the City of Amsterdam at the Oskar Back National Violin Competition.
At the age of only 24, she became first concertmaster of the Northern Philharmonic Orchestra in Groningen (now the North Netherlands Symphony Orchestra). She stayed in the role from 1985 to 1988.
In 1989, Mijnders joined the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. Within a few years of her time in the orchestra, she acquired the spot of second concertmaster. She is also a member of the Uriël Ensemble.
During her time in the Concertgebouw Orchestra, Mijnders played alongside the world’s leading conductors such as Riccardo Chailly, Mariss Jansons, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, and many more.
From 2015 onwards, the violinist has played a 1727 Stradivari, owned by a private patron and provided to her on loan via the Foundation Concertgebouworkest.
Read: Berlin Philharmonic cellist Dietmar Schwalke retires after 31 years
Read: Long-standing Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra violinist retires
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