Ivo Meinen is a versatile conductor with a passion for both opera and the symphonic concert repertoire.
In the opera world, Meinen has made a strong impression with productions such as La pietra del paragone (Rossini), Le nozze di Figaro, Die Zauberflöte (Mozart),
Carmen (Bizet), Rigoletto (Verdi) and Madama Butterfly (Puccini).
He served as Kapellmeister at the Yekaterinburg Opera House, Russia’s third-largest opera house,
and collaborated with companies such as Opera Trionfo and the Dutch National Touring Opera. Meinen also conducted a recording of the unique Curaçaoan opera
Katibu di Shon by Randal Corsen, featuring mezzo-soprano Tania Kross.
"Ivo Meinen is a wonderful and talented young conductor. I have admired his work, both in romantic and Italian opera, of which he has an innate understanding,
and in the even more exacting discipline of bel canto, especially Rossini, whose music is of course a particular interest of mine. His combination of musical discipline and Italianate flair is remarkable,
and a performance under his direction is not to be missed.”"
(David Parry, Orchestral and opera conductor )
In the symphonic field, Meinen conducts not only the established repertoire of Beethoven,
Brahms, Bruckner, and Tchaikovsky, but also lesser-known works, such as Samuel Barber’s remarkable yet rarely performed Cello Concerto, with Quirine Viersen as soloist.
Meinen has also collaborated with international soloists such as pianist Thomas Beijer and violinist Lisa Jacobs.
One of Meinen’s most memorable achievements was a performance of Rossini’s Stabat Mater iat the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Together with the Dutch Concert Choir and the Beethoven Orchestra Amsterdam, he presented a program that also included works by Brahms and Bruckner. The performance was praised for its emotional intensity and musical finesse..
Meinen is known for his inspiring and energetic rehearsals and performances, in which he motivates musicians to deliver top-level results. His broad musical vision and dedication to both opera and symphonic music make him a respected conductor both in the Netherlands and abroad.
"Ivo proved himself a formidable interpreter of Rossini with a rare flair to bring out the lightness as well as the necessary drive of phrasing to make the performances outstanding success."
His patience and skill in dealing with colleagues, both singers and orchestral musicians as well as his administrative skills are exemplary. I look forward to our next collaboration !
Bravo Ivo!
(Laurence Dale on *La Pietra del Paragone* by G. Rossini)