I.M. ALBERT SIEBELINK

[Stoimen]

Albert Siebelink passed away on 30 September 2015, at the age of 65 years

(oil portrait by George Vasilescu, made in May 2015)

International Gipsy Festival Tilburg, Netherlands

Most people know Albert Siebelink from the International Gipsy Festival, that he organized each year in May in the city of Tilburg. Hundreds or musicians but also dancers and other artists came over to perform on the huge stages or to show their art in one of the many stands.

Fewer people know that Albert also initiated the "Requiem for Auschwitz" concerts, all over Europe, composed by Roger Moreno Rathgeb.

Before starting his famous International Gipsy Festival, he worked as the programmeur of the Festival Mundial in the city of Tilburg. In 2012, he was awarded a penning by mayor Noordanus of the city and last May, 2015, the Council of Tilburg invited George Vasilescu to make a portrait of Albert Siebelink (see above).

A couple of years ago, Siebelink fell ill, but he kept on organizing the Festival. Maybe it was his way of combating his illness. Last May, he seemed quite alright. He enjoyed the music, the audience that had come in large numbers and he felt moved when he received the portrait.

On Saturday, the first Festival day, it was not that warm but sunny. It used to be always sunny during the Gipsy Festival, as if there was a secret help from angels that removed the clouds. But on 31 May 2015, it started raining, pouring with rain. Maybe the sky already knew that the director and inspirator of the Festival was going to leave, only 65 years old.

Many will miss him: artists, his close helpers, people from his staff, the audience and the city where he, year after year, brought the sounds of music. May his soul rest in peace!

Els de Groen

Tilburg, 30 May 2015