Picture: Melle Meivogel; Madhara during the Grachtenfestival Pitches 2019
Do you have a fantastic idea for a concert or performance during the Grachtenfestival of 2020? Then we are looking for you! Apply for one of our pitches to make a chance to be shortlisted on Saturday, February 8, 2020, during the Grachtenfestival Weekend. You will then get the platform to present your unique idea and who knows, perhaps you will be next to be discovered and booked for the upcoming festival.
Grachtenfestival
In the Grachtenfestival it is all about music. Young musicians from all over the world come to enchant the audience with their musical stories. In the beautiful ambiance of Amsterdam, we organize over 250 concerts within 10 days on approximately 100 different locations. The Grachtenfestival will take place from August 7 until August 16, 2020.
For whom? Students from one of the Dutch conservatories and musicians who have finished their studies up to three years ago. The genres that comply are classical, jazz and world music. Ensembles are also welcome to apply!
Panel An expert jury consisting of among others pianist Lestari Scholtes (artistic programmer of the Grachtenfestival), Radio4-presenter Ab Nieuwdorp (artistic advisor of the Grachtenfestival) and opera and theatre director Ceacilia Thunissen (artistic director of Oorkaan).
Prizes The prizes consist of paid concerts on different unique locations during the Grachtenfestival 2020. You can also count on the necessary media attention and introductions within the extensive network of the Grachtenfestival that will boost your (starting) career. On top of this, the Oorkaan prize will be awarded to the most theatrically impressive ensemble. This includes a three-day masterclass that introduces you to the renowned Oorkaan method.
Pitch You can pitch your idea within one of the following four categories:
* The festival theme Wonder (choose from the genres classical, jazz or world music)
* Classical music from all corners of the world
* Cross-over: mix your own style of music with other disciplines within the arts
* A specific age category: develop your own idea for a specific age category, i.e. babies, young adults or the elderly
Keep in mind Sail Amsterdam will take place during the Grachtenfestival 2020. Perhaps this could be an interesting point of view for your pitch! Below you can find more detailed information about the different categories.
Apply Please send your application including motivation, short project plan and your specific category before January 1, 2020, to programmering@grachtenfestival.nl. Before January 14 you will receive correspondence whether you or your ensemble have/has been shortlisted to present your idea in front of the panel on February 8, so please keep this date reserved.
February 8 During the pitch you will a maximum of 8 minutes the present your idea. Within these 8 minutes, you will explain your idea and your motivation behind the idea. You will also give a short preview of the music. All pitches will be scheduled between 12:30 and 17:00. At the end of the afternoon, we will announce who the winners are from different categories.
Important There is limited space to warm up. On the location there will be a grand piano, a drum kit as well as music stands available. You will be responsible for all other gear (like amplification) and instruments needed for your pitch. The pitches are open for audience and free to attend in the NedPho-koepel in Amsterdam.
More information
Pitch Wonder
The theme for the upcoming Grachtenfestival 2020 is Wonder. For this edition of the festival, we will commemorate different achievements of the past centuries that have contributed to the way we listen to and experience music nowadays. Music never stands still but develops and innovates itself like any other sector. Music moves with time and can be progressive as well as timeless. We stimulate progress and embrace the icons from the past. The richness, the diversity, such an enchanting world of music! Which wonder is your source of inspiration to create a performance?
For whom and what: musicians/ensembles with a classical, jazz or world music background that can convince us with a wonderful concept that includes our festival theme Wonder.
The winner: will perform a concert program of one hour (once or twice) on a unique location during the Grachtenfestival within the series Grachtenfestival Lanceert.
Classical music from all corners of the world
For whom and what: Germany, India, France Iran, China, Italy, Brazil… A vast number of countries have their own form of classical music. Be inspired by Indian ragas, South American rhythms, South-East Asian pentatonic music and folklore from the Balkan countries. We are looking for a musician or ensemble that has the most appealing and challenging program involving classical music.
The winner: will perform (once or twice) on a unique location during the Grachtenfestival within the series Grachtenfestival Lanceert.
Cross-over
For whom and what: you are inspired by both music and other forms of creative expression. Be careful not to compromise one to another but rather co-create together. We look at the complete picture of visuals and sound.
The winner: will perform a concert program of one hour (once or twice) on a unique location during the Grachtenfestival.
Specific age or target audience
On one hand, music can be inclusive, about age limits, socio-economic differences or language barriers. On the other hand, you can target a certain audience by coming up with something specifically for them through composing or certain choreography. Empathize with a certain target group. Think about what speaks to them, how to hold their attention, what happens in their world. Through music, you can make new friends with whom you would have never thought to have something in common, the art of empathy and temptation.
The winner: will perform a concert program of one hour (once or multiple times) on a unique location during the Grachtenfestival.
The Oorkaan Prize: a three-day masterclass that introduces you to the unique Oorkaan method
Oorkaan creates theatrical concerts with world-class musicians. The musicians play everything by memory. The performance style is non-verbal and physical. The material balances on the edge of concert and theatre. We conclude with a public presentation. The Oorkaan prize will be awarded to the ensemble with the best (stage) performance. The Oorkaan method deepens and broadens your craftsmanship as a performing musician.
For whom what: all instrumental ensembles that take part in the pitches automatically in the running for the Oorkaan prize. The text should not be a big part of the performance. Oorkaan works with ensembles performing from memory.
The winner: will be given the chance to take part in a three-day masterclass with the unique Oorkaan method. During the masterclass, you will work on basic performance techniques and on how to use the music and your body within the performance space.
