Many composers have drawn inspiration from the moon. In addition to the famous Moonlight Sonata In addition to Beethoven, the program also features the magnificent “Songs of Madagascar” by the famous French composer Maurice Ravel. Dramaturg Carel Alphenaar has selected the beautiful Dutch poems, which are recited by actor Abdelkarim el Baz.

With the Bijlmer Klassiek series, Michael Gieler brings world-class chamber music to Amsterdam-Zuidoost. Members of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra perform in an intimate setting and connect with artists who have their roots in the Bijlmer. In the auditorium of the Bijlmer Parktheater, great names like Beethoven and Schubert go hand in hand with upbeat songs from around the world. Bijlmer Klassiek is a joint project of Music Stages and the Bijlmer Parktheater.

Today, the IJ-salon takes the audience on a journey through the night. The moon sets the rhythm on Earth. It guides travelers in the dark and is the ally of all lovers. But the moon is also part of our nightmares. Music for the moon spanning three centuries, featuring visuals by video artist EVman and the Dutch debut of the talented young Australian singer Lotte Betts-Dean.

Michael Gieler, artistic director of Music Stages: ‘It’s no coincidence that the moon is the ultimate source of inspiration for poets, artists, and composers. It seems as though we can project all our emotions onto her. Whether you’re in love, happy, sad, or anxious—the moon always has a face to match. It’s high time we dedicated an entire IJ-Salon to our pale companion.’

Ensemble Lumaka meets in the imaginary apartment of composer Rosy Wertheim.

The musicians discuss aloud how to take the audience along during search for Rosy's tracks and the zeitgeist of the 1930's. Paris in the 1930’s... a true melting pot of famous composers, writers, philosophers and actors. Imagine going back in time and meeting everyone who was there during that period: Stravinsky, Milhaud, Honegger and maybe even Coco Chanel; to be there while they heatedly discuss politics, art and philosophy! Maybe Rosy is showing off her latest composition, whilst someone is playing the newest classic by Ravel...
During their new production, Ensemble Lumaka opens the doors of Rosy's salon to that vibrant and exciting time.