OREANDA-NEWS. ING has signed a ten-year extension of its global partnership with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam (RCO). ING has been a main sponsor of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra since 1989, making it one of the longest cultural partnerships in the Netherlands. The orchestra simultaneously extended its contract with its other Global Partner, Unilever, for the same period.

"We are proud to continue our support for one of the greatest orchestras in the world,” said Ralph Hamers, CEO of ING. "This long-term engagement allows us to strengthen this Dutch cultural icon over the coming decade and to preserve its unique national and international position responsibly. Our shared values of excellence and innovation enable us to build an ambitious future together."

RCO managing director, Jan Raes: "We are delighted that ING, Unilever and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra are extending partnerships for such a significant period of time. This reflects our mutual belief in excellence and permanent focus on talent. ING and Unilever have been very loyal and involved partners since both partnerships have started. We also believe that their continued commitment to sharing expertise will enhance our ambitions to develop new formats targeting a wide range of audiences globally. The renewed partnerships mark a momentum of great confidence and pave the way for future partnerships with other leading companies in the same league as ING and Unilever."

The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Amsterdam (RCO), founded in 1888, is one of the world's leading arts institutions. Comprising 120 of the most extraordinarily talented musicians from over 25 different nations, the orchestra has performed with the greatest conductors and soloists of all times. RCO proves, day in day out, that talented individuals from all over the world, operating as a true team, deliver the most outstanding performances.

Globally, the orchestra ranks among those few top performing cultural institutions that set an example in both performance and programming. Her Majesty Queen M?xima of the Netherlands is the orchestra’s patron.