Feestelijke opening

This year marks the 15^th anniversary of the Grachtenfestival. To celebrate this occasion, the opening will preview a spectrum of all the beautiful sounds and sights to be featured at different locations throughout Amsterdam during this Grachtenfestival 2012. Naturally, the programme will include an appearance by the winner of the GrachtenfestivalPrijs GrachtenfestivalPrijs 2011, mezzo-soprano Karin Strobos. Guests can also enjoy performances by soprano Claron McFaddon, famous the world over for her incredible versatility, cellist and winner of this year’s De Avond van de Jonge Musicus (NTR) Ella van Poucke, and pianist Thomas Beijer, a laureate of the Vriendenkrans Concours/ Het Debuut (now Dutch Classical Talent) 2012. Percussionist and winner of the 2010 Tromp Percussion Concours Alexej Gerassimez returns this year after his impressive debut at the Grachtenfestival 2011. Last but not least will be the Dutch Trombone Ensemble, whose members are all students at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. The programme will be presented by Dieuwertje Blok.