Twenty years ago, labor lawyer and mediator Anouk Talitsch met an orchestra member in her children's schoolyard. From then on, she and her family regularly went to concerts. Now she supports the Residentie Orkest as a member of Club RO: "The orchestra not only makes beautiful music, but also makes a valuable contribution to the community of The Hague.

Club RO is a group of entrepreneurs and professionals surrounding the orchestra. Active and enthusiastic people who enjoy sharing their interest in classical music and want to support the cultural sector in their city. Club members meet several times a year at varying locations, always while enjoying the finest live music of the Residentie Orkest. Anouk explains why her close relationship with the orchestra brings her so much joy.

'The orchestra is of great social value'

'I really wanted to mean something to culture in The Hague and saw this as an opportunity to really contribute. The cultural sector deserves the support of the residents.' Anouk emphasizes the social value of the Residentie Orkest. 'For 120 years the orchestra has been playing the most beautiful classical music. To enthuse a wider audience, nowadays it also collaborates with contemporary artists such as rock band DI-RECT and pianist Joep Beving.'

In addition, the orchestra brings classical music to neighborhoods and schools, reaching an even more diverse audience. Including people who might otherwise never have come into contact with classical music. "And that's so important, because music connects.

'A nice mix of culture and conviviality'

As a member of Club RO you support the Residentie Orkest, its social projects and the development of young musical talent at the Royal Conservatory of Music. And you get a lot in return. According to Anouk, at Club RO you always know a few things for sure: you contribute positively to the orchestra, meet nice people, and enjoy beautiful music. Also, the meetings often take place in surprising locations. And there is always room for good conversation, with or without a drink. 'Membership offers a nice mix of culture and sociability.' 

'I regularly take a business associate with me'

The members of Club RO are entrepreneurs and professionals from The Hague and surroundings, from factory owner to lawyer. People with the most diverse backgrounds and a shared passion for music. 'The nice thing is that you can bring a guest. This way I regularly treat a business relation to a special evening.' Anouk advises every music lover to take a look at the possibilities of supporting the Residentie Orkest in any way possible.   

'Just thoroughly enjoying the music'

Anouk looks back fondly on the special experiences she has had with the orchestra over the years. 'The annual galas were magical - in winter, dressed in a thick coat and gala dress, really very festive!' She has also remembered the Matthäus Passion in the Pieterskerk in Leiden. 'SO beautiful and impressive to experience the concert in the church on Good Friday.' For Anouk, every evening with the orchestra is pure relaxation. 'Lovely to sit in Amare s beautiful hall on a Friday evening and just enjoy the music to the fullest. You don't have to do anything for a while.

'Places like the Residentie Orkest are desperately needed'

'Rosy,' Anouk replies when asked how she sees the orchestra's future. 'The world more than needs places like the Residentie Orkest . To unwind, to connect, to inspire, to make you think. The Residentie Orkest brings people and music together and will therefore always have an enriching role in our Hague community.'