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.’

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.’

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.’

Anne-Maartje Lemereis has been the National Composer since 2024. For this program, she will perform songs based on well-known fairy tales such as Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, and Sleeping Beauty. She has also selected music that inspires her, by Purcell, Schumann, and others.

Michael Gieler, artistic director of the IJ-Salon: ‘Anne-Maartje is a highly original and versatile musician. I appreciate the humor that always sparkles through in her music. All the more reason to invite her to the IJ-Salon. I understand that our colleagues will also have to sing. Something to look forward to!’

Fuensanta is without a doubt one of the most fascinating artists in the Dutch jazz scene. A first-place win at the Princess Christina Jazz Competition launched the young Mexican singer, double bassist, and composer’s remarkable career. She has performed at the North Sea Jazz Festival and held a residency at the Bimhuis. This IJ-Salon marks her first collaboration with musicians from the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.

‘I love your strings. Can we please do something with strings? Do they improvise?’ Fuensanta reacted with immediate, effusive enthusiasm when Michael Gieler, artistic director of the IJ-Salon, called her. This promises to be an exciting encounter in a relatively unknown musical realm between the musicians of the Concertgebouw Orchestra and Fuensanta.