Willem Mengelberg succeeded Kes as principal conductor in 1895. For fifty years Mengelberg stood at the helm of the orchestra and was of great significance for music culture in the Netherlands. Strong bonds were forged with eminent composers such as Richard Strauss, Gustav Mahler, Claude Debussy and Igor Stravinsky, all of whom conducted the Concertgebouworkest more than once. Thanks to Mengelberg the Concertgebouworkest joined the highest ranks of the international music world.
The more detailed biography of Mengelberg will follow as soon as possible.