Pim Boekkooi schreef 12 mei 1997 in The Star (Zuid Afrika)


Dutch knight plans return




One of Europe's foremost cabaret artists, Dutchman Herman van Veen, undertakes his first major country wirtp South African tour later this month.
It's been planned following the phenomenal success of his appearances during last year's Klein Karoo National Arts Festival in Oudtshoorn. Van Veen's show are much more universal and wider in scope than the term cabaret implies. He is as much at home on a stage in Amsterdam as on in Berlin, Paris or New York. He communicates freely in four languages: Dutch, German, French and English, while the language of mime forms an integral part of his act. International awards bestowed on him are too numerous to mention.
Among the most prestigious are Die Goldene Kamera (Germany), the coveted Silver Bear at the Berlin Film festival, eight Edison Awards (Holland). the Prix d'Humanite(France), and various prizes at the International Film and Television Festival in New York.

In 1993 he was given a Knighthood into the Order of Orange Nassau by Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands. Together with Erik van der Wurff (piano) and Nard Reynders (saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet, accordion) Herman van Veen will present a programme of tales of his recent experiences in a kaleidoscopic performance of story, song and monologue. As is his custom, the programme is likely to change from day to day as he adapts each performance to his daily encounters and activities.

Born is 1945, Herman van Veen completed his studies at the Music Conservatory of Utrecht He soon founded his music theatre group Harlequin, together with Van der Wurff. This musical "one-man show'' set down the foundations for an impressive international career.

Up to date be has recorded over seventy CD's, including his two latest ones: 'n Teer Gevoel (A Tender Feeling) which includes his best known songs sung in Afrikaans, and a Schubert Lieder recital, especially for the Schubert year. Apart from his "usual" activities, Van Veen often composes music for film and ballet, while he is as much in demand as an author and director. He is working on a full-length film Nachtvlinder (Night Butterfly).

Herman van Veen is being brought to South Africa in association with Pim Broere Promotions .