In Brecht's The Roundheads and the Pointyheads In 1932, he described in detail how a society can slide into the abyss. Brecht had the play performed by actors with round and pointed heads. Hanns Eisler set it to music. In this theatrical concert, singer and actress Kikki Géron, together with the musicians, tells a socially engaged story.

Kikki Géron, programmer: ‘Back then, the Jews were the victims of far-right ideology. Even today, we’ve turned it into a game of finger-pointing. For example, it’s apparently convenient these days to talk about refugees as fortune-seekers. Unfortunately, Brecht’s story is still relevant today.’

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.’

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?’’

The Alma Quartet is the coolest string quartet in the ranks of the Concertgebouw Orchestra. In addition to the great classical string quartets, they also enjoy exploring adventurous programs. Today they present a colorful program featuring film music from the James Bond series, jazzy sounds by Schulhoff and Louis Armstrong, and new compositions by young composers from Amsterdam Zuidoost.

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.

For this program, flutist Julie Moulin drew inspiration from the wanderings of Odysseus. In this beautiful arrangement for three string instruments, flute, and harp, they, too, embark on a musical journey across the ocean. The artist Zeinab Elbouni reflects on Homer’s stories in her own words.

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.

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.

Yang Yang Cai, a rising star in the piano world, is central to this program. The young Dutch-Chinese pianist curated this program together with high-profile theatre director and dancer Sarada Sarita, who is very influential in current political and artistic movements.

Michael Gieler, artistic director of Music Stages: ‘Our starting point during this concert is a piece which is rarely, if ever, performed: The Djinns by César Franck, based on a poem by Victor Hugo. It is a mysterious and dark text, set to music with great subtlety by Franck. Extraordinary!’