Theo Rongen

Th. F. M. “Theo” Rongen (1943 — 11 January 2024) was a Dutch music administrative and politician. He is regarded as one of the most influential Dutch directors in the history of brass music. As politician he was a member of the Christian Democratic Appeal and mayor of Thorn from 1997 to 2005.

Biography
Rongen was born in America, Netherlands. His father Martin Rongen was founder of Peeltoernooi.

Music career
In 1952 he became a member of fanfare Sint Caecilia. Between 1973 and 2011 he held administrative music positions.

He was chairman of the Limburgse Bond van Muziekgezelschappen (LBM). He was also board member of international music festival in Kerkrade  and Limburg Musiceert. He played a key role during the 1980s in the establishment in the national structured music education and in the introduction of the concert division in brass music. In 1992 Rongen became chairman of the  (FKM) and was involved in the merger of the three Dutch national music organizations.

In 2011, after formation of the Verenigde Nederlandse Muziekbonden (nowadays  (KNMO)), he resigned from his administrative functions.

He was appointed Commander of the Order of St. Sylvester in 2009. 

Political career
Rongen worked as head of the land affairs department in Venlo. In December 1997 he was appointed mayor of Thorn. From June 2001 he was also acting mayor of Kessel for over half a year. At the end of 2005 he took early retirement after 40 years in government service.

He died in Eindhoven on 11 January at the age of 81.

References

Category:1943 births
Category:2025 deaths
Category:Politicians from Limburg (Netherlands)
Category:Dutch mayors