Conductor Bernard Haitink and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra have become world-famous for their interpretations of Gustav Mahler’s symphonies. In memory of Haitink, who passed away in 2021, the orchestra appoints a young conductor every two years to assist the Concertgebouw Orchestra’s chief conductor. Starting with the 2024–2025 season, that person will be Aurel Dawidiuk. This remarkable talent, born in Hanover, is rapidly advancing his career as a conductor, pianist, and organist. Camerata RCO, the chamber orchestra composed of orchestra members, is now performing Mahler’s Fifth Symphony in a version for a small chamber orchestra conducted by this highly talented musician.

Michael Gieler, artistic director of IJ-Salon: ‘This program came together almost effortlessly: Camerata RCO, with its acclaimed interpretations of Mahler for chamber orchestra, and Aurel Dawidiuk, the conductor who is set to follow in Bernard Haitink’s footsteps. All of this coincides with the grand Mahler celebration at the Concertgebouw. It will be an intimate look at Mahler’s monumental declaration of love to Alma.’

Two multi-talented artists in one concert: Lucie Horsch is a well-deserved winner of the Dutch Music Prize. She brings her expressiveness on the recorder to her singing and piano playing. Klaus Mäkelä, the future chief conductor of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, is also a fantastic cellist.

Michael Gieler, artistic director of IJ-Salon: ‘I’ve known Lucie since she was a child—she’s the daughter of our colleague Gregor Horsch. Even back then, it was clear that her abundant talent couldn’t be limited to the recorder, even though she worked true wonders with it. We’re very eager to get to know her as a pianist and a singer.’

The Alma Quartet consists of four string players from the Concertgebouw Orchestra. They enjoy discovering lesser-known repertoire and also perform with famous DJs. The LPs and CDs they release are warmly received by audiences and critics alike. For this May 4 concert, they’ve invited the young cellist Ella van Poucke to join them in exploring one of the most famous classical masterpieces, the String Quintet by Schubert, which he wrote toward the end of his life.

Michael Gieler, artistic director of IJ-Salon: ‘What kind of music is fitting for a day like May 4? Of course, many pieces lend themselves to contemplation or have death as their theme. But none of those pieces can compare to Franz Schubert’s final chamber music work. The expansive Adagio is perhaps the most beautiful and saddest work ever written. That is why it must be performed here today.’

‘I want them to perform *Carmen* at my grave,’ wrote composer Henriëtte Bosmans. In this IJ-Salon, the musicians of the IJ-Salon, together with the drag queens of House of Hopelezz and House of Løstbois, will fulfill her wish and erect a small monument to one of the most extraordinary Dutch musicians of the 20th century. Bosmans identified with the fearless heroine of Bizet’s opera, who flouted conventions and remained true to herself until her death.

Michael Gieler, artistic director of IJ-Salon: ‘The decision to invite House of Hopelezz to this extravagant tribute came about entirely organically. Since its founding by drag queen Jennifer Hopelezz, these performers have epitomized the joyful and passionate exuberance of Amsterdam’s LGBTQIA+ community. It’s sure to be an unforgettable afternoon.’

In the symphonic poem Don Quixote In Richard Strauss’s work, the cello portrays the main character, while the viola plays the role of his servant. For this occasion, the musicians of the Concertgebouw Orchestra will perform a new version for chamber ensemble, written by Giel Vleggaar. Actor Maarten Heijmans will read passages from Cervantes’s famous novel. 

Michael Gieler, artistic director of IJ-Salon: ‘This program fulfills a long-cherished wish. The music is a real treat and features some of the most beautiful notes ever written for the cello. This is certainly a perfect fit for Joris van den Berg, one of the fantastic cellists from the Concertgebouw Orchestra. As a violist, I’m naturally also looking forward to playing the role of Sancho Panza.’

The popular radio show Early Birds is the source of inspiration for a cheerful program about bird songs in music. A well-known example is the cheerfully chirping birds in Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony. But there have been countless pioneers and imitators—or copycats—in classical music. The musicians of the Concertgebouw Orchestra will bring their personal favorites to the IJ-Salon.

Michael Gieler, artistic director of IJ-Salon: ‘Biber was an incredibly inventive Bohemian-Austrian Baroque composer. Long before Beethoven, he was already incorporating realistic bird sounds into his violin music. Today, we’ve invited biologist Alexander Reeuwijk to assess how closely Vivaldi and his fellow composers were able to mimic bird calls.’

Amsterdam is a hotspot for jazz and free improvisation. Here, enthusiasts can encounter not only international greats but also the most interesting up-and-coming talents. We’ve invited a number of them to challenge musicians from the Concertgebouw Orchestra in a genre that’s new to them. In addition to improvised music, the program features works by Bartók and Satie.

Michael Gieler, artistic director of IJ-Salon: ‘Sun-Mi Hong is a fascinating musician and composer. Through her own efforts and passion alone, she has broken free from her background to become one of the most formidable young musicians to have settled in Amsterdam. Her music is subtle and multi-layered. She draws her inspiration from the great French composers and Béla Bartók.’

The Cuban capital, Havana, lives and breathes music. Under the Caribbean sun, a spirited people use their music to brave the hardships that life throws their way. The cheerfulness and humor of Cuban music make for a festive end to 2021. A mini-festival featuring music ranging from the early Baroque composers who emigrated from Spain, through the distinctive sounds of the zarzuela (Spanish-language operetta), to the music of today. The event will conclude with a spectacular dance party in the Entrance Hall.

Michael Gieler, artistic director of Music Stages: 'Mirelys Morgan joined the Concertgebouw Orchestra a few years ago. She had a sweet, charming sound. Her body sometimes seemed fluid, so relaxed. My fascination with Cuba and the Caribbean began upon her arrival. Soon after, I met a very talented young Dutch conductor, Leonard Evers. He too had a great interest in Cuba and is full of wonderful ideas. We're teaming up to throw an unforgettable end-of-year party.’

 

Program

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Violinist Mirelys Morgan and pianist Madarys Morgan are top Cuban musicians—and sisters. As part of the Noches de la Habana mini-festival, Mirelys and Madarys Morgan will present a lecture-recital in the Kleine Zaal, featuring Cuban repertoire for violin and piano.

In the VPRO's four-part travel series *Cuba After Castro* The film follows Cuban-Dutch filmmaker Yuribert Capetillo Hardy during his emotionally charged return to his homeland. In his talk, the talented filmmaker discusses the making of the series and shows key moments from it. He also talks about recent developments since he made his trip to Cuba.

In the VPRO's four-part travel series *Cuba After Castro* The film follows Cuban-Dutch filmmaker Yuribert Capetillo Hardy during his emotionally charged return to his homeland. In his talk, the talented filmmaker discusses the making of the series and shows key moments from it. He also talks about recent developments since he made his trip to Cuba.

The Cuban capital, Havana, lives and breathes music. Under the Caribbean sun, a lively people use their music to brave the hardships that life throws their way. The cheerfulness and humor of Cuban music make for a festive concert with a spectacular afterparty.

 

As a ten-year-old boy, Brahms performed in brothels in Hamburg and eventually became one of the most beloved composers of the Romantic era. How? He was passionate about Hungarian folk music and held Beethoven and other masters who came before him in the highest regard. We can hear all these elements reflected in his work. Wonderful!

Michael Gieler, artistic director of IJ-Salon: ‘Brahms is and always will be the favorite of everyone who loves chamber music.‘ When I asked cellist Klaus Mäkelä—who, incidentally, is also one of the most interesting conductors working today—what chamber music he would like to play, his answer was: ‘Brahms, what else?’’

Romance at its finest. Spoken texts set to music were very popular during the Romantic period. During a difficult phase in his life, Robert Schumann composed music based on texts by the English poet Lord Byron. Today, unfortunately, there is somewhat less interest in this forgotten pairing. But as far as the IJ-Salon is concerned, this doesn’t have to stay that way. There’s nothing wrong with a good ‘rap.’.

Michael Gieler, artistic director of the IJ-Salon: ‘The American Jed Wentz gained widespread recognition in the Netherlands as the director of the Early Music Festival in Utrecht. He is now coming to the IJ-Salon for the first time with a unique genre: the melodrama. Jed has spent his entire life researching this genre and also performs on stages around the world to revive this art form.”.