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

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.

 

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.”.