Lex van Delden

Lex van Delden, born Alexander Zwaap, was a self-taught Dutch composer known for his work as the resident composer/musical director of the post-war Dutch ballet group and as a music editor for Het Parool. Despite facing severe challenges during World War II, including an injury that blinded him in one eye and the loss of nearly his entire family in the Holocaust, van Delden became an influential figure in Dutch cultural life. He was praised for his bravery in the resistance movement and his musical works were widely recognized, earning him prestigious awards and administrative positions within the musical community. Van Delden's compositions often expressed his social concern, and he worked closely with performers to explore the possibilities of their instruments.