Vera Beths Awarded Honorary Title of Maestro Honoris Causa

On 1 June 2026, the Royal Conservatoire The Hague awarded violinist and teacher Vera Beths the honorary title of Maestro Honoris Causa. The distinction recognises her exceptional contribution to musical practice, music education and the Royal Conservatoire.

Over the course of her career, Beths has influenced generations of musicians through her artistic vision, musical insight and dedication to teaching. As a teacher in the Classical Music Department, she became known for her high artistic standards, her emphasis on individuality and musical character, and her commitment to nurturing talent. Her impact continues to be felt through the many alumni and teachers she has inspired.

Beths also played a pioneering role in the development of historically informed performance practice and in promoting contemporary music. Her international reputation attracted talented young violinists from around the world to The Hague, helping to strengthen the Royal Conservatoire’s position as an international centre for music education. Her contribution extends beyond teaching and performance. Beths has been closely involved in preserving and sharing musical heritage, including her role in acquiring important collections for the Netherlands Music Institute. Her commitment to future generations of musicians is also reflected in the Beths Scholarship, which encourages master's students to engage with this musical heritage in their own artistic practice.

In recognition of her exceptional services to Dutch musical life, Vera Beths was also appointed Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau.

Beths Scholarship

The Beths Scholarship supports master's students whose artistic work is inspired by musical heritage from the collections of the Netherlands Music Institute, housed at The Hague City Archives. This year's recipients are Naomi Hassoun and Yannick Kleinert, students in the master's programme at the Royal Conservatoire. For their Master Project, they are working with materials from these collections.

Maestro Honoris Causa

The honorary title Maestro Honoris Causa was introduced as part of the Royal Conservatoire’s bicentenary celebrations. The distinction is awarded to individuals who have made an exceptional and lasting contribution to the arts and to their professional field. The Maestri serve as a continuing source of inspiration for students, teachers and alumni of the Royal Conservatoire.

As a symbol of this recognition, each Maestro receives a unique artwork from Things We Carry, a series by artist Pim Schumacher. The artworks reflect the connections people share through relationships, stories and communities, highlighting both individual achievement and collective impact.

Vera Beths joins a distinguished group of Maestri honoured during the Royal Conservatoire’s 200th anniversary year. Read more about the other recipients on the overview page of the Maestro Honoris Causa programme.

With the honorary title of Maestro Honoris Causa, Vera Beths joins a distinguished group of artists and educators honoured during the Royal Conservatoire’s 200th anniversary year. Visit the Maestro Honoris Causa overview page to meet the other recipients and learn more about their lasting impact on the arts.