CHAIRMAN OF THE SUPERVISORY BOARD

Author Archives:eyetractive

• Vacancy Chairman of the Supervisory Board

  28 March 202510:17 Comments Off on Vacancy Chairman of the Supervisory Board

  ‘Opera can change a life’. From this mission, Opera Zuid creates accessible and adventurous opera for the widest possible audience in, for and from the South of the Netherlands. Three principles are paramount: artistic excellence, social impact and accessibility. Opera Zuid realises two large hall productions each year, a children’s opera and a community opera in the Maastricht district of Malpertuis.

  Opera Zuid achieves important results: Opera of the Year (2022, 2024) and the Fair Practice Award (2022). Nevertheless, Opera Zuid is faced with the task of sustainably financially anchoring its continuity and security of existence in the current and future cultural system.

  Opera Zuid is looking for a:

  Chairman of the Supervisory Board

  Core profile The chair of the Supervisory Board is an experienced, connecting leader with an affinity for opera and who is involved in culture, business and the public sector. The candidate has management experience, a strategic vision and the skills to lead and inspire the Board. In doing so, the chair maintains a good balance between supervision, providing support and acting externally as an ambassador for the organisation.

  Method and Governance The chairman works according to the principles of the Governance Code Culture and monitors the four roles of the Council: 1. Supervisor: Strategic monitoring of policy and processes. 2. Ambassador: External advocacy for Opera Zuid. 3. Sparring partner: Advisory and supportive towards the management. 4. Employer: Guidance and assessment of the director.

  Basic requirements The chairman: • Has experience in supervisory positions within the business community and/or social or cultural organisations. • Has insight into developments in the cultural sector and its financing. • Has sufficient availability to fulfil the position properly. • Has strong communication skills and acts as an ambassador for Opera Zuid. • Has a broad and relevant network and is prepared to actively use this network. • Has ties with Limburg and Noord-Brabant, including knowledge of regional developments. • Fulfills a coaching and facilitating role towards the management and acts as a sounding board. • Inspires, connects and naturally has authority and an integral view. • Has insight into administrative processes, strategy and governance. • Is able to manage processes and maintain an overview.

  Additional qualities • Stimulates and initiates the necessary vision development in the Supervisory Board and further professional development of the Supervisory Board. • In general, ensures good information provision for and by the Supervisory Board. • If necessary, informs the council members about relevant matters and developments.

  Core values ​​Supervisory Board • Trust: Based on openness and mutual respect. • Mission-driven: Focused on the social and artistic objectives of Opera Zuid. • Equality: Additional collaboration based on own expertise. • Generosity: Supervisors are generously committed to the organization.

  Conclusion The chairman of the Supervisory Board of Opera Zuid plays a crucial role in strengthening the organization and safeguarding its social and artistic mission. By combining management experience, inspiring leadership and strategic vision, the chairman contributes to a future-proof and flourishing organization. The chairman is required to be available for approximately fifty hours per year (in addition to the five to six meetings with the full Supervisory Board). The chairman and members of the Supervisory Board receive a volunteer allowance.

  Information For more information, please contact members of the Supervisory Board: Godelieve Stratermans 06-27836142 or Martijn Kagenaar 06-50877464.

  To send your motivation and CV, please contact us at email address: Godelieve@stratermans.com

  The response period is until April 13, 2025.

  The interview rounds with the selection committee will take place on April 23 and 28.

• Internship Marketing & Communication

  5 August 202416:28 Comments Off on Internship Marketing & Communication

  Opera Zuid is a leading BIS opera facility in, for and from the South of the Netherlands and makes accessible, surprising and contemporary opera. Opera Zuid brings opera close to you: opera that touches, amazes and transports you. We believe that the total experience that opera offers can change your life. Based on this conviction, Opera Zuid wants to share its productions with an audience as large and diverse as possible.

  There is room for a work experience internship in the Marketing & Communication department.

  Work experience internship 

  16-24 hours a week

  Function:

  • You support in the implementation of the marketing campaigns for various productions of Opera Zuid.
  • You support in the management of the website and social media channels.
  • You support in organizing events, including premieres and various small events.

  Who are you?

  • You have a completed education at least HBO level with a relevant field of study.
  • You have an affinity with marketing and publicity campaigns, online communication and organizing events.
  • You have an affinity with opera or related performing arts.
  • You are confident, communicative, creative, analytical and customer-oriented.
  • You have an affinity with promotional writing for different target groups.
  • You don’t mind working irregular hours from time to time (evenings and weekends).
  • You master the Dutch and English language in word and writing.
  • Preferably you have experience with WordPress, Mailchimp, Photoshop, InDesign, Google Ads/Displays and Google Analytics.

  What do we offer you?

  • A varied and inspiring work experience internship with room for own initiative in a creative working environment.
  • An experience internship where you will have contact with many theaters and cooperation partners in the country.
  • An internship allowance.

  Are you interested?

  Send your CV and motivation letter to vacature@operazuid.nl for the attention of Fanny Bartels, Coordinator Marketing & Communication.

  Opera Zuid applies an equal opportunities policy and is committed to diversity in the workplace. Qualified women and men, persons of all nationalities, cultural backgrounds, and candidates with disabilities are welcome to apply.

  For more information, please contact Fanny Bartels via the above e-mail address.

• Volunteers Hospitality

  7 July 202415:07 Comments Off on Volunteers Hospitality

  Opera Zuid is a leading BIS opera facility in, for and from the south of the Netherlands and makes accessible, surprising and contemporary opera. Passion, fantasy, innovation and authenticity are central to this. Opera Zuid brings opera close by: opera that you feel, touch, amaze and transport. Tradition and innovation go hand in hand, great masterpieces from the past touch the core of our here and now. We believe that the total experience that opera offers can change your life. Based on this conviction, Opera Zuid wants to share its productions with as large and diverse an audience as possible.

  Opera Zuid makes two major theater tours through the Netherlands every year. For these tours, Opera Zuid is looking for volunteer hospitality for our audience in the theaters.

  Job description

  As a hospitality volunteer, you are responsible for welcoming our visitors to the theaters during our theater tours through the Netherlands. You are the contact for theater visitors at an information desk of Opera Zuid before, during the intermission and after the performance. You also help with the distribution of flyers and program booklets before or after the performances.

  We are looking for people who

  Are hospitable and representative
  Have excellent communication and social skills
  Are willing to work irregular hours, evenings and weekends
  Have an affinity with opera and theatre

  
  What do we offer

  You get an insight into the organization of an opera performance and you are part of the team. A pleasant and inspiring working environment. Attend opera performances for free. Volunteer fee.

  Respond

  If you are interested, send your response, including motivation and CV, to vacancies@operazuid.nl for the attention of Fanny Bartels, Marketing & Communications coordinator.

• Want to work at Opera Zuid?

  6 June 202410:47 Comments Off on Want to work at Opera Zuid?

  Open applications can be sent to vacatures@operazuid.nl.

• Want to do an internship at Opera Zuid?

  2 February 202410:46 Comments Off on Want to do an internship at Opera Zuid?

  Opera Zuid offers students the opportunity to gain practical work experience.

  Applications for internships can be sent to the management or relevant department.

• Orphée aux Enfers canceled during Opera op de Parade

  29 June 202317:38 Comments Off on Orphée aux Enfers canceled during Opera op de Parade

  With a lot of pain in our hearts we have to inform you that the last performance of Orphée aux Enfers tonight during Opera op de Parade in ‘s-Hertogenbosch is canceled due to bad weather conditions. Unfortunately, this brings our tour to an early end. From this place we would like to thank everyone who intended to come and see this beautiful spectacle for the last time. We hope to welcome you again soon.

• Youth ribbon for face of Buurt Opera Malpertuis

  13 June 202309:39 Leave a Comment

  Yesterday Dunya Jongen (11) received a youth ribbon from alderman Manon Fokke and children’s mayor Joost de Goeij in Stadhuis Maastricht for her contribution to Buurt Opera Malpertuis of Opera Zuid. Dunya is the face of the Neighborhood Opera Malpertuis 2022.

  Fokke: “Dunya is focused, driven, serious and respectful. The selection committee likes to see how Dunya is committed to society and all ages. She is a go-kart puller and takes other children with her. By being the face of Buuropera Malpertuis, she clearly indicates that she dares to be vulnerable at a young age and she is an example for other children.” The Limburger https://m.limburger.nl/cnt/dmf20230601_96089640

  And of course we totally agree! A big congratulations from us as well. We are very proud of Dunya.

  Buurt Opera Malpertuis is an initiative of Opera Zuid in collaboration with Conservatorium Maastricht, Trajekt and the Kunstketel and is made possible in part by CultuurmakersMaastricht, Fund for Cultural Participation, Municipality of Maastricht, Elisabeth Strouven Fund, Stichting Kanunnik Salden Nieuwenhof and the Oranje Fonds.

  > For more information go to operazuid.nl/bom

• Masterclass

  09:38 Leave a Comment

  On vocal techniques, style and interpretation in opera.

  Verdeeld tussen de dictiecoach die aandringt op ‘tekst!’, de leraar die adviseert ‘gewoon de klinkers te zingen’, de zangcoach die ‘core and sustain’ wil, de dirigent die ‘piano’ fluistert, en de regisseur die eist ‘ik wil emotie zien!’. Divided between the diction coach who insists on “lyrics!”, the teacher who advises “just sing the vowels”, the vocal coach who wants to “core and sustain”, the conductor who whispers “piano”, and the director who demands “I want see emotion!’.

  Chelsea Bonagura (vocal coach and soprano) and Lochlan Brown (conductor and répétiteur) regularly give masterclasses to make it clear that everyone is ultimately on the same wavelength, but only lost in terminology. ‘We believe that vocalism, language, music and interpretation are not rivals competing for your attention, but all complementary parts of the same beautiful opera puzzle, provided we have the right information and techniques.’

  If you are in Maastricht or nearby, come to Opera Zuid and, together with Lochlan Brown and Chelsea Bonagura, find an authentic, harmonious relationship between yourself, your voice and the expectations of professional opera houses. The masterclass will be held in English on June 10 at 11:00 am in the Malpertuis Studio of Opera Zuid.

  Send your CV and a video recording to masterclass@operazuid.nl before June 7th.

  Both Chelsea Bonagura and Lochlan Brown will participate in Mozart’s Der Schauspieldirektor next season at Opera Zuid.

• Interview Enrico Delamboye and Benjamin Prins about collaboration Orphée aux Enfers

  09:37 Leave a Comment

  Opera Zuid asked conductor Enrico Delamboye and director Benjamin Prins if they would like to stage Offenbach’s Orphée aux Enfers together. Their answer was as clear as it was enthusiastic; and whether they feel like it!

  What makes this opera typically Jacques Offenbach?

  Enrico: ‘Orphée aux Enfers is funny, lively, critical and it never gets boring.’

  Benjamin: ‘It’s smart entertainment. That’s in all the satirical jokes, but also in the use of different timelines. That makes it very clever. That is why we have placed it in a neoclassical framework. That provides the perfect basis for this non-chronological piece to talk about then and now.’

  There is a special role for dance in this opera…

  Benjamin: ‘Yes, just like in the original (which includes ballet), we deliberately chose to work with live dancers. They actually bring everything together; their bodies tell more than words in this case. They prove to be the glue between the music and the drama, which is not surprising, because this opera is all about dance! Eurydice is done being “the wife of”. She wants to become Bacchante, a dancer, an artist, a woman who chooses her own way of life.’

  A Bacchante? Benjamin: ‘In nineteenth-century France, everyone knew what the Bacchante stood for: she was the image of the popular, wild dance, free of rules. The Bacchantes were “followers” of the god Bacchus and he was the god of wine, of drunkenness, of a certain wildness and excess. The fact that Eurydice chooses that, chooses herself… everyone thinks something about that. But beware, there’s a little plot twist…!’

  Unlike directing, the music is prescribed. What can a conductor add to Offenbach’s music?

  Enrico: ‘His music is light as a feather and witty. Offenbach is about the things you don’t expect; you need perfect timing for that. To the audience, it should seem as if everything goes by itself and it is completely self-evident. And what do I add? Of course my musicality and my vision when it comes to language in relation to tempo, for example. But this music also needs a lot of liveliness, so all the fun and humor I have in me – not so difficult with this profession! – I put in music and conducting. I think the most important thing is that, without making a sound myself, I am the initiator of the music. I activate all musicians and give them the opportunity to bring the right energy and feeling into the music. After all, we have to do it together!’

  And how is that collaboration going between the two of you?

  Benjamin: ‘We actually came up with the whole concept together and we are still constantly fine-tuning. finetunen.’ Enrico: ‘Indeed, we greatly respect each other and help each other to solve musical or dramaturgical difficulties.’ Benjamin: ‘Yes, we work well together and trust each other. We have already discovered that with Fantasio (2019). We don’t make problems where there are none, no dramas: we look forward and upward! The music also helps with that, of course, it is so cheerful and positive, like champagne bubbles bubbling up. This music brings so much joy!’ Enrico: ‘ And we could all use that.’

  What’s your favorite moment in Orphée aux Enfers?

  Enrico: ‘If I really have to choose; the introduction. That is not a pompous overture in which you already hear all the themes of the evening pass by, as was common in those days. Orphée starts from scratch, with a clarinet, a small pastoral, a melody that develops, very surprising.’

  Benjamin: ‘To me that is the Protest of the Gods. Orphée aux Enfers was my first experience with musical theater as a child. When I saw all those adults having so much fun on that stage, I thought, wow, it can be really fun being an adult. Now, 30 years later, I hope that our performance can enchant visitors just as much.’

  Interview: Kyra Bertram

• Set designers Marloes and Wikke about Orphée aux Enfers

  09:37 Leave a Comment

  Designers Marloes van der Hoek and Wikke van Houwelingen are used to making their set designs as a duo. Ideas for this arise during museum visits, image research and brainstorming sessions, in their studio and at the kitchen table. This time it turned out differently; together with an entire artistic team, the basis for Orphée aux Enfers was laid while talking, at the table with director Benjamin Prins in Paris.

  Wikke: ‘Normally we read the script, talk to the director and – the two of us – get inspired, so we come up with ideas through associations.’

  Marloes: ‘But now, in Paris, we mostly talked; about Orphée aux Enfers, about what the work means, about the composer. Benjamin is a huge Offenbach connoisseur so it was very inspiring to hear from him. The composer was an innovator and inspirer in his time, socially critical as well. So then you want to know: how do we now relate to what he did? It is very interesting to see how you can take Offenbach’s thought to the present.’

  Wikke: ‘For example, Benjamin wanted to keep the pastoral classic at the beginning. Then it is our job to find out how we can build on that fact, how we can make it more our own and how we can break it open.’

  Marloes: ‘Yes, because we don’t want to reproduce Offenbach exactly. I found it very stimulating and challenging to research: can we give that classic starting point a twist so that it also feels modern?’

  Wikke: ‘I found that very inspiring! If you’re stuck in a kind of corset (just like Eurydice), how are you going to break out of that in your design? We hope that the public will be misled: that they think they see a traditional decor at the beginning, but at the end they walk out surprised. Because it’s not that classic, (laughing) we also call it our ultra-neoclassicism.’

  Wikke clarifies by describing what their design looks like: ‘The decor consists of 2D plates printed with prints, the colors have been made brighter and we have incorporated even more humour. So the initial decor looks classic, but if you look closely, you can already see and feel that breakout is announcing…’

  Marloes: ‘It is also just like the old theater in terms of performance; with all those changes, panels that come out and go to the side, very dynamic. But it’s kind of a parody of the classic. That is exactly what Offenbach himself does all the time, which is why we also feel free to play with it.” She continues: “That kind of play seems like a superficial play with shapes, but you can only do that because there is indeed a story behind it. There are many connections between when Offenbach wrote this and now; for example, that decadence, the rise of capitalism, they were already concerned about that at the time. That social criticism is just as good in this.’

  Wikke: ‘Of course, the exact message never comes across literally, but I do hope that people will feel the process of transformation. Just as the characters undergo a transformation, we transform the stage from beautiful and conventional to – ultimately – playful and free.’

  Interview: Kyra Bertram