Herman van Veen: Today (Friday)

Recently met someone at the market who looked at me in surprise. ‘Do you still exist?’ Had the urge to turn around. We started talking. The man had seen me in the sixties in the theater. He had once emigrated but returned to the Netherlands to be buried in Utrecht in due time. Told him that besides the genetic luck, the singing has probably ensured that I can still perform about one hundred and forty shows a year with heart and soul. Of course, it creaks here and there and I don't jump as high as at seventy-eight years old. So yes sir I am still here. And if it's up to me even longer still. Herman van Veen Met: Herman van Veen and his ensemble led by Edith Leerkes Foto: Bertil van Wieren