Shantall de Roos named new conductor of Winkler Prins Harmonie

Shantall de Roos has been appointed as the new conductor of the Winkler Prins Harmonie (WPH) in Veendam. During the opening of the local theater season at VanBeresteyn on September 20, 2026, she officially took over the role from Jack Horst, who has conducted the orchestra since 1994 and has been a member since its founding in 1977.

De Roos is a former member of the orchestra who played the clarinet as a student. She studied Music Education at the Prins Claus Conservatorium in Groningen and completed conducting courses in Germany.

The orchestra is preparing for its 50th anniversary in 2027. The celebrations will include various concerts and a highlight concert tour to Canada in April and May 2027, where the group will perform in five cities alongside local orchestras. A traditional anniversary concert is scheduled for April 9, 2027, in VanBeresteyn.