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

Click on the concert of your choice for more information and tickets. Tip! If you order tickets for multiple concerts at the festival at the same time, you'll receive a nice combo discount.

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.

 

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.’

Due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 measures, this concert has been rescheduled for October 8, 2022, and will serve as the festive opening of our new musical season. Ticket holders will be notified.


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.’

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!’