Conductor Bernard Haitink has been appointed a ‘Commander of the Order of the Netherlands’ - the country’s oldest and most distinguished civil order

It has been announced this week that 87 year old Dutch conductor Bernard Haitink has been appointed a ‘Commander of the Order of the Netherlands’ -  the country’s oldest and most distinguished civil order.

The title of 'Commander' is reserved exclusively for individuals whose contributions to Dutch society is deemed outstanding.

The title of 'Commander of the Order of the Netherlands' was also most recently granted to Ben Feringa - winner of the 2016 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.

Previous recipients include writers Gerard Reve and Harry Mulisch and the painter Karel Appel.

Maestro Haitink, throughout his extensive career, has received multiple awards and honours in recognition to his serve to music - including several honorary doctorates, an honorary Knighthood and 'Companion of Honour' in the United Kingdom, and the 'House Order of Orange-Nassau' in the Netherlands.