Welcome to the festive opening of the Grachtenfestival. This summer we commemorate 400 years Gerbrand Bredero: a tribute to this Amsterdam born poet and playwright, an eternal source of inspiration to many contemporary artists. The overall theme ‘Dichterbij de muziek’ (“Up close to music”) is there to connect music with poetry, the spoken word and other forms of word art.
The opening concert of the Grachtenfestival boosts musicians such as cellist and Artist in Residence Ella van Poucke, who will perform with pianist Camiel Boomsma, nominee for the Grachtenfestivalprijs 2018. Pianist and composer Julian Schneemann wrote a new work, Ode to Tomorrow, for his ensemble Caravan and three singers from all parts of the world – of this concert is a foretaste for you to enjoy. Jazz singer Sanne Rambags will perform a few of her own poems with saxophonist Jesse Schilderink and drummer Joost Lijnbaart.
Today the Kloveniersburgwal will be transformed into a wonderful outdoor concert hall, with a starring role for young musicians. Conducted by Annechien Koerselman, they will present a whole array of the upcoming festival.
Bring your boat the Kloveniersburgwal to experience the opening from the water. Please follow the instructions from our festival crew on site.
Grachtenfestival thanks the AFK, mainsponsor Tours & Tickets and the VSBfonds for their contribution to the festival.
