Dutch Christian trade organization hosts Silver Dove Awards

Dutch Christian trade organization BCB presented its second annual Silver Dove Awards (Zilveren Duif Awards) in November. The organization hosted a gala dinner during its Christian Music Week to honor the winning artists.

In 2012, BCB organized a gala concert, but this year held a dinner for 300 guests, during which the awards were presented. Awards were given in the following categories: Best Album, Best Album Devotional Music, Best Instrumental Album, Best Children’s Album, Best Song, Silver Dove Incentive Prize and Oeuvre Prize, a lifetime achievement award. Wim Pols won the Oeuvre Prize because of his honors in Christian music for more than 40 years.

Nominated artists performed at the event, which was broadcast live by commercial radio station Groot Nieuws Radio (Great News Radio). 

“The night concluded with an after-party that had a great atmosphere and the chance to meet one another, to network and to listen to some more live music,” the BCB said.

The awards are operated through Christian bookstores. Every customer who spends a sum of at least 12,50 euros (the equivalent of $17.16 at press time) on CDs in one of the shops received a free promotional CD.

In May and June, a nominations committee judged the CDs that have been submitted, and selected a certain number of them for nomination. Toward the end of August, nominees were announced and voting began. Voting was conducted by jury, a select group of music experts and the general public. 

In preparing for the week, BCB offered retailers the opportunity to attend a free workshop. This year a music critic discussed the history of Christian music, and a company called Small Stone Media offered instruction on music rights. 

BCB said the primary goal of Christian Music Week is to increase interest in the gospel. A secondary goal is to draw people to the Christian bookshops. 

For a complete list of nominees and winners, visit www.zilverenduif.nl.