Herman van Veen - Open Air 2026

Herman van Veen, born on 14 March 1945 in Utrecht, launched his career after graduating from the music conservatory and made his theatre debut in 1965 with the solo programme "Harlekijn". Since then he has toured the world, releasing around 180 CDs, as many books, and two dozen theatre pieces. For over ten years he has also worked as a painter.

His artistic and humanitarian work has earned him numerous awards: the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival (1990), the Golden Camera for Alfred Jodocus Kwak (1991), the Orders of Orange-Nassau and the Dutch Lion (1993), and the Federal Cross of Merit for his contribution to German-Dutch understanding (1999). Further honours followed - the Martin Buber Plaque (2005), the Münchhausen Prize (2012), the Joachim Ringelnatz Prize (2020), and the Grand Prix de l'Académie Charles Cros de Littérature Musicale. He also holds an honorary doctorate from the Free University of Brussels and the Planetary Consciousness Award from the Club of Budapest.

Herman van Veen is the father of four children, grandfather of three grandchildren - and stepfather to the orphaned duck Alfred Jodocus Kwak.

Following the success of his "Achtzig" tour with 60 concerts in German, he returns to the stage in summer 2026 to continue his concert journey.