The Netherlands Philharmonic is kicking off its new season with a bang, featuring an orchestral extravaganza, a red-carpet-style welcome, and even a chance to win an “adventure seat” right in the middle of the orchestra.
Classical concerts often have a reputation; they tend to be refined, formal affairs, and can be a tad intimidating if you don’t know your Bach from your Beethoven.
This concert, however, promises to blow all that stuffiness out the window.
Trading the red carpet for a purple one, you can strut your way in and enjoy a delicious cocktail before settling in for the Netherlands Philharmonic’s opening show. Need a shot of yourself for the ‘gram? That’s all part of the package, friends.
And, best of all: you could even win a seat onstage, right in the middle of the orchestra.
Curious what the Netherlands Philharmonic is all about? Here’s a quick recap of their previous season 👇🏼
So, what’s on the programme?
Once you’ve found your seat and taken a sip of your welcome cocktail, you’re in for the real treat: the Netherlands Philharmonic’s sweeping programme.
The whole evening kicks off with the gentle tunes of Wagner’s Vorspiel, the prelude to his opera Parsifal.
Next up is Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, masterfully brought to life by talented soloist Clara-Jumi Kang.
Originally composed in 1904 and revised following an unsuccessful premiere, the piece begins with a hushed melody, evoking images of Finland’s vast, wintry landscapes. Across its three movements, moments of stillness and tension ebb and flow into each other, creating an experience that’s at times intimate, at others intensely dramatic.
After the interval, the mood shifts entirely with Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, under the skilful baton of the Trondheim Symphony Orchestra’s chief conductor, Adam Hickox.
Inspired by drawings and watercolours by artist Viktor Hartmann, each of Mussorgsky’s movements paints a different scene, taking you from a mediaeval castle to the Paris catacombs, and more.
Of course, words can only paint half the picture. If you’re trying to decide whether the programme’s up your alley, have a listen to the Netherlands Philharmonic’s playlist in advance:
When and where?
Opening night is a little under a month away, on Saturday, September 19, at 8:15 PM in the Concertgebouw’s Grote Zaal.
Tickets run from €29 to €78, depending on your seat of choice, and can be booked via the Netherlands Philharmonic’s website. Apply the code WELCOMEXNEDPHIL to get a discount! (Let op: they’re selling out fast, so run — don’t walk! — if you want to make opening night.)
Do you want to avoid the hustle and bustle of opening night (or did you miss out on getting tickets)? The same programme returns on Monday, September 21, at 8:15 PM.
Tickets are a little cheaper for this show, running from €21 to €65, depending on your seat of choice. As with opening night, you can book your tickets on the Netherlands Philharmonic’s official website.
Are you dressing up for opening night, or would you rather hit Monday’s show? Share your thoughts in the comments.