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.’

Many Dutch people associate Brazil primarily with soccer, but the country has so much more to offer. Musicians from the Concertgebouw Orchestra will join forces with the band Olaiá Music on a musical journey to discover both well-known and lesser-known gems from Brazil’s rich musical culture. After the performance, enjoy cocktails and let loose to live music in the foyer. 

Michael Gieler, artistic director of IJ-Salon: ‘In recent years, Olaiá Music has emerged as a source of joy and captivating music-making. If you really want to experience what it’s like when the house goes wild, don’t just watch their many videos online—come see for yourself how they throw a party together with our musicians.’