On December 13, 2006, one of the greatest singers and songwriters in the Netherlands died: Robert Long. He was one of the first artists to openly speak out for his homosexual orientation. In his socially critical texts, steeped in irony, he fiercely opposed bourgeoisie and Calvinism. On October 22, 2007, the date Long would have turned sixty-four, a memorial concert was held by Long's artistic
… friends, the proceeds of which went to Sophia Children's Hospital. The concert, held in the Nieuwe Luxor Theater in Rotterdam, was opened by Long's great love Kris Rutsaert. Hans van Willigenburg presented the evening. Under the inspiring leadership of Koos Mark and his orchestra, Long's songs were sung by Simone Kleinsma, Dieter Troubleyn, Lenette van Dongen, and others. Gerard Cox, Richard Groenendijk, Joke Bruijs, Carlo Boszhard, Jan Keizer, Willeke Alberti, Rob de Nijs and Albert Verlinde. The evening was just as Long had wanted: moving and funny at the same time. With a festive closing! (SvdP)more