CANCELLED
Built between 1887 and 1895, the Fortress Island of Pampus may well be the most famous location of the fortification known as Stelling van Amsterdam. With its long and rich history, dating back to its origin as an important element of the Dutch defence line, through community student housing in the sixties, via Unesco’s listing of World Heritage in 1995, the Fortress Island of Pampus opened its doors in 2011 as the first National Visitors Centre of the Stelling van Amsterdam.
We could not think of a quartet better suited to this location than the Babylon Quartet. Earlier this year, this quartet won the Grote Kamer Muziekprijs, a prize that was presented by the Codarts Conservatorium and the Koninklijk Conservatorium Den Haag. Fitting with the tell-tale-name of the quartet, its four musicians are from four different countries, with different languages and cultures.
The threat that lead to the construction of the Stelling van Amsterdam came from the surrounding countries France, Germany, England and Austria-Hungary. This afternoon the Babylon Quartet will perform music from these countries, from the ‘Fin du siècle’, the years between 1890 and 1914, and take you along on an Expedition to the origins of this unique location. The boat to the Fortress Island of Pampus will depart from the harbour of IJburg. Go to www.grachtenfestival.nl/reisinformatie to find out how to get to Pampus Island.