Reinbert de Leeuw (1938) is a well known and highly respected musician (pianist, conductor and composer) in the world of contemporary music. Since its founding in 1974 Reinbert de Leeuw is the conductor of the Schönberg Ensemble (now Asko | Schönberg). He regularly conducts chamber music ensembles and major Dutch orchestras. In addition to his concert activities he conducts various productions at the De Nederlandse Opera in Amsterdam and the Reisopera. He was a guest director and artistic advisor to the festivals in Aldeburgh, Tanglewood and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. From 2001 till 2010 Reinbert de Leeuw was the artistic director and responsible for the NJO Summer Academy, the international orchestra and ensemble academy of the Nationaal Jeugd Orkest. In 1994 he was awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Utrecht. Reinbert de Leeuw is also Professor at the University of Leiden. On the occasion of his 70th birthday in 2008 he was appointed Ridder in de orde van de Nederlandse Leeuw (Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion).