THe HISTORY

2007

“Nederlanders” (the Dutch), Herman's 150^th album, with the cooperation of Daniël Lohues, Trijntje Oosterhuis and Edith Leerkes, was released in November.

2006

Ton Koopman released the “Complete Cantatas Volume 22” with which he completed all Bach’s cantatas, a project he started in 1984.

“Harlekijn is a combination of people who can relate to each other and who strives for the finest quality in their subject. They will not stop until they have reached the highest level, with mutual respect welcoming one another to the possibilities and personal success.”
Ton Koopman

2006

“Woorden Op Mijn Zang” (Words to my singing) is released in October, as the first part in the series “Privé Collectie” (Private Collection). The illustrated book also contains a CD with new recordings of some favourite songs. It was dedicated to Franka Daels, Herman’s personal assistant for eight years, who sadly died of cancer during the summer of 2006.

2005

Songs of Van Veen were recorded on CD by various groups from Utrecht at the initiative of the website "3voor12/Utrecht" and in co-operation with "Festival Mooie Woorden". The CD is titled: "We hebben maar een paar minuten tijd: Een hommage aan Herman van Veen" (We only have a couple of minutes: a homage to Herman van Veen). Some of the artist who participated were singer/presenter Claudia de Breij, Solo, Orphanage and VanKatoen. The profit went to the music school José de la Cruz Mena in Leòn, Nicaragua. On the 8^th November the artists performed for Herman van Veen and Erik van der Wurff at the Tivoli in Utrecht.

2004

The end of a four year campaign “Afspraak is afspraak -- kinderrechten zijn mensenrechten” (Agreed is agreed – children’s rights are human rights). Apart from his regular concerts, Herman also had a four year long tour with the show of Alfred Jodocus Kwak (for the occasion – Unicef Bootschafter (Unicef ambassador)). This show starred Lilja Hermannsdóttir and was in co-operation with the Harlekijn Danstheater and his permanent accompaniment. The purpose: to raise awareness for the rights of children. The tour took him through Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Austria (the Klangwolke, Linz, 96.000 visitors). It was organised by Harlekijn, the Herman van Veen Foundation/Studios and Unicef Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Austria. It was entirely sponsored by friends especially Marcel Boekhoorn and Edward Vermeer. The story “Verboden te lachen” (Forbidden to laugh) appeared in book form as well as on DVD at Signature/Bruna, “Lachen verboten – Ein Buch für Unicef” by Aufbau Verlag Berlin. The book, titled “Afspraak is afspraak” (Agreed is agreed) by Signature/Bruna also in German “Abgemacht ist abgemacht” was published by Aufbau Verlag Berlin. The campaign ended with a gala performance in the “Sonesta Koepel” in Amsterdam, presented by Joan Haanappel, with guest speaker Mies Bouwman and a memorable performance by Ali B.

2002

Herman van Veen directed Lori Spee in The First Lady. This musical theatre production was written by Herman and Lori and was based on the life of Jacqueline Kennedy. The songs were written by Lori and released on CD (Harlekijn Records 304 016-2). The performance was seen in the Netherlands, Flanders (Belgium), South Africa, England, Scotland (Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2004) and the United States of America.

“At Harlekijn one finds a group of wonderful and kind people all working together to inspire each other. Harlekijn is close to my heart.”

Lori Spee

2001

The CD “Was ich dir singen wollte” (What I wanted to sing for you) is released by Polydor, Germany. One year later, with the same title, it became his first DVD under the Mawa label.

1999

During the night of the 12^th April, Herman van Veen, Freek de Jonge and friends, performed in Carré. The production “Staakt het vuren” (Stop the shooting) was for the benefit of peace in the Balkan. The proceeds were donated to War Child. The single, “Staakt makkers staakt / Wiegeliedje”, that was released after this performance, reached the hit parade.

1997

During November, Herman was presented his 100^th Album by minister Wijers of Economic Affairs in the Royal Theatre Carré. At that time, he had sold more than 12 million albums.

1995

The album “Weihnachten mit Herman van Veen und Ton Koopman” (Christmas with Herman van Veen and Ton Koopman) was released by Erato. A year later this album, but with the title “Douce nuit”, was released by the same company in France.

1992

To celebrate his 25 year long contract with Polydor, he released the CD “You take my breath away” – a homage to a few colleagues for whom Herman has great admiration: John Lennon, Jacques Brel, Eric Clapton, Queen etc. The cover was a look alike of the painting “de Nachtwacht” (The Night Watch) on which those, who were involved in the project, were portrayed.

1988

Together with Erik van der Wurff, Herman wrote the music for the Opera “Pol” at the occasion of the opening of the new RO-Theatre in Rotterdam. The text and directing was done by Jos Thie and Antoine Uitdehaag. In the leading roles were: Huub van der Lubbe, Ramses Shaffy, Marjol Flore, Lex Goudsmit and Ryan van den Akker, who was also the voice of Alfred Jodocus Kwak.

1987

The single “Toveren” (Doing magic) was released and became a hit. The song is also on the CD “20 jaar – In vogelvlucht” (20 years – in Bird’s flight) which became number 3 on the Dutch Album Top 20 / 50 and 100 and was listed for 55 weeks.

1985

Herman’s first French album was released: “Chante en V.F.” (Sings in French). “Version Français” is also the title of his show (Théâtre de la Ville).

1983

“De bom valt nooit” (The bomb never falls) reaches the hit parade. The single, with the text translated by Georges Moustaki, is also released in France: “La Bombe va pas tomber”.

1982

On recommendation of Shirley MacLaine, who saw one of Herman’s shows in Hamburg, he performs in a series of shows, called “All of him” in the Ambassador Theatre on Broadway. Erik van der Wurff, Cees van der Laarse and Nard Reijnders joined him in this series. The reactions to his show varied from “brilliant” to “dismal”.

Jacques d’Arcona follows this American adventure closely and publishes his report in a book “Een vlucht vooruit” (A flight ahead). An LP “On Broadway” was produced. The cover depicted a violinist and the, then still standing, Twin Towers.

This was not the only series of shows in the United States. In the years to come Herman regularly performed in Carnegie Hall, Briar Street Theatre, Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Centre and The Sylvia and Danny Kaye Playhouse. During the spring of 2009 Herman and Edith Leerkes once again performed in the Lincoln Centre, this time with the programme “Child of the Wind”. This was a homage to the Jewish poet Selma Meerbaum-Eisinger, in celebration of the 60^thyear of the state of Israel.

1980

Herman Finkers makes his début with his LP “Vinger in de bips” (Finger in the backside), Harlekijn 2925 553.

1980

Although Herman recorded two English songs on his LP “Morgen” (Tomorrow) in 1970, his first complete English album, “Fourteen songs”, were produced in 1980 by Polydor.

1979

The first Christmas album, "Kerstliederen" (Christmas carols) with Herman and Ton Koopman, was produced in December. A year later the album was produced in German, “Weihnachtslieder”, followed by a French album.

In years to come, Harlekijn always produced something for Christmas. This included television programmes: “Een andere keer misschien” (Maybe another time) (1995), “Dat gebeurt elke dag” (That happens every day) (1998), “De timmerman en het meisje” (The carpenter and the girl) (2001), “Herman van Veen vertelt samen met gitariste Edith Leerkes van kerst - Goeie Genade” (Herman, together with guitar player Edith Leerkes, talks about Chirstmas – Good Grace) (2007); Family theatre productions such as: “Verboden te lachen” (Forbidden to laugh) by Alfred J. Kwak in the “Leidse Schouwburg” 2002 and “Lachen verboten” (Forbidden to laugh) by Alfred J. Kwak in the “Theater am Kurfürstendamm” in Berlin, 2003; Christmas shows in churches (Flanders (Belgium), Austria, Switzerland, the Netherlands); Albums in different languages and the book “Kerstboek voor Tondo” (Christmas book for Tondo) of which the proceeds went to the Colombine project - “De moeders van Tondo” (The mothers of Tondo). During the winter of 2008 Herman van Veen’s Christmas book “De koe zei Boe, de ezel Balk, het schaap toen Bla” (The cow said Moo, the donkey Bray, the sheep then Bla) was published by Kok with illustrations by Alja from the Brabant region.

1979

The single “Opzij” (Make way) became a hit according to the Dutch Pop Institute (number 14 on the Top 40; 7 weeks on the charts); the single “Uit Elkaar” (Splitting up), a duet by Herman van Veen and Monique van de Ven, became a ‘smaller’ hit (number 21 on the Top 40; 6 weeks on the charts).

1978

From the 15th to the 18th February, Alfred Jodocus Kwak, together with the “Residentie Orkest” (Residential Orchestra) under the direction of Erik van der Wurff, performed in the Congresgebouw in the Hague. The LP, produced from this fairy tale “Eend grote terts” (Duck major third) and narrated by Herman van Veen, was awarded with an Edison. It was also published as a book with the comic strips illustrated by Harald Siepermann and Hans Bacher. The book inspired the Finish producer Dennis Livson in the making of a 52-part animation series. Alfred Jodocus Kwak became a global-duck.

1977

On the 14^th March Barry Hay (Golden Earring) presented Herman with 7 gold records. During the theatre season of 77/78 Herman auctioned 5 of these records, the American way. The proceeds were for the benefit of the “Verloskoffer-Actie” (Deliverycase-action), a joined action between Unicef and the Colombine Foundation. A foundation established with the purpose of: extending humanitarian help in the broadest sense of the word.

1974

Hauser Orkater produced their first LP under the Harlekijn Label. As the LP is only available at Harlekijn Holland, and not through retail, it does not have a catalogue number.

Taken from a letter to a journalist, Herman wrote:

With regards to Hauser Orkater, we, at Harlekijn, heard of them - good people from somewhere in the North Holland region. A good friend, Maks van Tuil, watched their show. Due to his enthusiasm, I decided to attend as well. What an hilarious show. The performance was held in a high school, somewhere on the outskirts of Utrecht. Constantly, while trying to catch my breath, I continued watching this crazy rock and roll within an absurd tale without any embarrassment from the players..

For example, during the performance they wore tights without any underwear, whereby their private parts were in visible discomfort. For the first years, we tried to guide them with what we knew. Together we produced an LP “Hauser Orkater op avontuur” (Hauser Orkater on adventure) but also did other things such as playing football.

We produced the LP together. I even helped with glueing the covers. Harlekijn was, and still is an organisation that gets involved with interesting people in the arts. If you want to know more, there is a site, but more so a book “Het gewicht van spel” (The importance of playing). Kiki will send you a copy, and you will surely find something useful in it.

In my opinion, Hauser Orkater belongs to the most interesting enterprises regarding musical theatre. What they do was and still is unique. That they would go their own way, was always the idea. We just gave each other a helping hand along the way.

Nice to know, that a book might be published. If you have any other questions, I will try and answer them.

Herman van Veen

1973

Harlekijn is considered to be the “warme bakker” (the fresh bakery) of the Dutch culture.

1973

Harlekijn Records was established, an authentic Dutch recordlabel. At the head was Adriaan Verstijnen. Many LP’s were produced for: Ton Koopman, the “Amsterdams Barok Orkest” (Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra), Johnny van Doorn - de selfkicker, Rijnbert de Leeuw, Joost Nuissl, Loeki Knol, Harry Sacksioni, Tini Mathot, Toyohiko Satoh, Erik van der Wurff, Hauser Orkater, and many more.

Herman van Veen and Ton Koopman

1972

The LP “Bloesem” (Blossom) was released, and the book “(Herman?) van Veen”, was published.

1971

The first show of Van Veen and his group were held in Carré during May. Their song, Suzanne, was in the Top 10 for many months. Suzanne (text and music by Leonard Cohen) was translated by Rob Chrispijn. For many years, Rob, a photographer and poet, did the follow spot.

1970

The single “Rozegeur” (The fragrance of roses) was produced and became a small success.

1968

Herman van Veen and Laurens van Rooyen established Harlekijn Holland B.V.

An extract from the Harlekijn Holland B.V. deed:

Name, location, purpose and duration.
Article 1.

1. The limited liability company, carries the name: Harlekijn Holland B.V.

2. The company is located at Westbroek, municipality Maartensdijk.

3. The company has as its purpose:

a. to produce presentations, shows and such like in theatres or areas equipped as theatres in order to entertain the public on artistic and recreational

level, including recordings, radio, film and television.

b. the training, coaching and performance of artists in the artistic and recreation sector;

c. to make use of companies, institutes or shops especially horeca (hotels, restaurants and café’s), recreation and advertisement for the purpose of

entertainment activities and/or goods; at our own expense as well as the expense of third parties, taken in the broadest sense of the word, also the

setting up or taking over of and participation in the management of other companies with a similar purpose.

d. The duration of this company is unlimited.