The vibrant Amsterdam-Zuidoost district boasts a rich musical culture unlike any other: from gospel to Ghanaian highlife music. For more than ten years, Music Stages has been organizing the Bijlmer Klassiek series in the district and is expanding this series with special events, where the audience is surprised time and again with spectacular crossover concerts. In this crossover concert, “Homage to Zuidoost,” musicians from the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra will collaborate with the “Dutch Queen of Soul” Shirma Rouse, the popular ZO! Gospel Choir, and the multi-talented Berima Amo.

The program naturally features upbeat gospel songs, but the choir also embraces crossover with classical music and will perform, among other pieces, the magnificent Ave Verum by Mozart. There is a long-standing collaboration with Berima Amo, the world-class Dutch-Ghanaian singer, trumpeter, and composer, who will present his first composition featuring soloist Shirma Rouse and the ZO! Gospel Choir.  This work draws on influences from both the Ghanaian vocal tradition and elements of gospel, bringing classical music and gospel together in a fresh way.

With thanks to the Amsterdam Fund for the Arts, the Performing Arts Fund, Zabawas, and the Amsterdam Zuidoost District. Bijlmer Klassiek is a co-production of Music Stages and the Bijlmer Parktheater; the IJ-Salon is a co-production of Music Stages and the Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ.

‘When I am laid in earth.’ Who isn’t familiar with Dido’s gorgeous lament? Purcell's opera Dido and Aeneas tells the story of Queen Dido and her love for the hero Aeneas. Through the spells cast by witches, she is separated from him and dies of a broken heart—but not before she has sung her magnificent song. Director Peter Leung leads the young cast and the singers of the National Youth Choir.

Michael Gieler, artistic director of Music Stages: ‘With our production of *Dido*, we want to connect the past and the present. Our version references the opera’s premiere at an English girls’ school. At the same time, a newly written prologue by poet Julia-Beth Harris and composer Meriç Artaç firmly anchors the action in the present. This creates a modern story about the tension between power and powerlessness, between a sense of duty and passion.’

 

"Dido and Aeneas" is made possible in part by the Prince Bernhard Cultural Fund, Société Gavigniès, and

 

 

In 1933, the well-known German playwright Bertolt Brecht penned the satirical ballet The Seven Mortal Sins. Kurt Weill’s music is reminiscent of that of 1920s German cabaret. The story of two sisters, Anna I and Anna II, and their wanderings through seven American cities, is brought to life by a charismatic young narrator, Kikki Géron. This timeless masterpiece is framed by musical touches from the world of non-classical music.

Michael Gieler, artistic director of Music Stages: 'I find the story of the two sisters particularly fascinating. It’s rare that such a sad subject – the sisters are abused by their families – is conveyed so originally on a stage. The happy ending brings justified relief.’

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.’

Originally, at this time, it said  We had planned a performance of *The Seven Deadly Sins* by the successful duo Brecht/Weill. We felt it would be best to allow a live audience to see and hear such a special production. With the replacement program, we’re still staying true to the spirit of the successful duo Weill/Brecht. The common thread running through the program is irony and sentiment. Actress Sanne den Hartogh reads hilarious and poignant poems by Bertolt Brecht.

Michael Gieler, artistic director of Music Stages: “We are thrilled that the Muziekgebouw is giving us the opportunity to connect with our audience via a livestream. The program is wonderful, and we are especially looking forward to the performances by singer Marleen Asberg and actor Sanne den Hartogh.”

In de 19e eeuw was Parijs de hoofdstad van een machtig land met belangrijke internationale betrekkingen. De oriënt oefende een grote aantrekkingskracht uit op kunstenaars en componisten. Dit programma laat enkele werken horen waarin oriëntaalse invloeden vertaald worden in nieuwe klanken. De jonge ster in deze prachtige muziek van Fauré en Franck is de Nederlands-Chinese pianiste Yang Yang Cai.
Michael Gieler, artistiek leider Music Stages: ‘Een vriend wees me ooit op een bijzonder stuk dat zelden of nooit wordt uitgevoerd: Les Djinns van Cesár Franck, gebaseerd op een beroemd gedicht van Victór Hugo. Daar tegenover staat een ster van een zeer actuele politieke en artistieke beweging: Sarada Sarita is een van belangrijkste makers van de Nederlandse ballroomscene. Een spannende confrontatie!’

The St. John Passion returns to the IJ-Salon after a three-year hiatus, this time with a completely new production. The IJ-Salon is organizing this program in collaboration with the International Bach Festival on Gran Canaria. In this way, young people will work side by side with the musicians of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. The IJ-Salon asked choreographer Peter Leung to create a new staging of Bach’s masterpiece.

The young singers of the National Youth Choir will undoubtedly throw themselves with enthusiasm into an unusual challenge: translating Bach’s expressive choral works into fluid movements. A fresh take on an old favorite.

Práchtige muziek werd geschreven door een vreemde, sociaal zeer onhandige man. Een eenzame eenling in een omgeving die hem niet begreep: Franz Schubert. Tegenover zijn Forellenkwintet en liederen plaatst deze IJ-Salon nieuw werk van de jonge Duitse componist Michael Essl. Zijn stuk gaat over de mens tussen natuur en machine, met afwisselend snelle, virtuoze gedeeltes en rustige, bijna machinale klankvelden. Dat alles word bekeken door de bril van Planet Airich, een briljante jonge dame en exponent van het Afrofuturisme in Nederland.

Michael Gieler, artistic director of Music Stages: ‘Nowadays, everyone loves Schubert. It’s difficult to imagine that this genius was largely misunderstood during his much too short life, only just being propped up by friends who truly believed in him. Art is unpredictable. That's why we cherish the past in our programmes whilst continuing to invest in the music of the future.'