Electronic pioneer Ferry Corsten has been honoured by the Dutch Royal family for his outstanding contribution to the country’s music economy, both at home and internationally.
Peter Oskam, the mayor of Capelle aan den IJssel, on behalf of King Willem-Alexander, appointed Ferry Officer in the Order of Oranje-Nassau during a surprise ceremony in the city.
“I was not expecting this at all. I’m still a little in shock. To keep me off the scent of this award, my wife Lia told me we would view a venue to redo our wedding vows. So, you can imagine my surprise. When I discovered I was being appointed Officer in the Order of Oranje-Nassau by the Dutch Royal family no less! It was also touching to hear that it was my father was the one that initiated this and received many letters from various people in the industry supporting this.”
On stage, Ferry, visibly stunned, said, “I can’t put into words how much of an honour being presented with this award is for me. As a passionately proud Dutch native and as an artist who has just wanted to share all the beautiful sides of dance music with the world since day one. To be recognised by the Dutch Royal family means so much. Thank you”
The Order of Orange-Nassau is a civil and military Dutch order of chivalry founded on 4 April 1892 by the Queen regent Emma. Individuals appointed as Officers have generally rendered outstanding service of national or even international importance and deserve appreciation and recognition. The order is comparable with the Order of the British Empire in the UK.
Armada Music adds:
“We are so happy and proud to announce that Electronic pioneer Ferry Corsten has been honoured by the Dutch Royal family for his outstanding contribution to the country’s music economy, both at home and internationally. King Willem-Alexander appointed Ferry Officer in the Order of Oranje-Nassau on Tuesday, 26 April, during a surprise ceremony in Ferry’s hometown.
On June 4, 2022, Armin van Buuren will be hosting a special all-ages, daytime show at the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam. Armin van Buuren’s fanbase is known to come from around the world, but also from a wide variety of backgrounds and generations. Being a dad himself, Armin van Buuren was influenced by his children to throw this all-ages show. With a program revolving around some of his most popular hits with younger crowds, such as “Blah Blah Blah”, the legendary DJ wants his whole community to enjoy his music, without age and bedtimes being limitations.”
Key Notes:
-Ferry becomes only the third DJ to be honoured by the Dutch Royal family with the title of Officer in the Order of Oranje-Nassau. He joins fellow electronic contemporise Tiësto (awarded 2003) and Armin van Buuren (awarded 2011).
-In 2008, Ferry Corsten was the first DJ ever to be named Ambassador of Freedom by Dutch Liberation Day Comity.”
-Previous Dutch Awards include the (Grote Prijs van Nederland 1995) (Silver Harp 1999) (Slam FM DJ of the Year 2007)
-He is the longest-running Dutch DJ to remain in the Top 100 DJs Poll (2021)