Season 2026-27

America’s Declaration of Independence was signed on 4 July 1776, enshrining the Enlightenment ideals of freedom, equality and the individual ‘pursuit of happiness’. The fact that these same ideals are under threat today is all the more reason to reflect on the 250th year of the ‘land of the free’. Hear the Concertgebouw Orchestra in several of their own concerts, as well as providing the musical accompaniment for a John Adams Institute lecture.

Four promising young conductors are hoping to learn a great deal from Iván Fischer and the musicians of the Concertgebouw Orchestra this month during the Ammodo Masterclass. All four participants characterise this opportunity as ‘a dream come true’.

In June, we’ll play Verdi’s opera Simon Boccanegra, in a new production directed by Jetske Mijnssen, conducted by Verdi expert Fabio Luisi.

Sol Gabetta is getting ready to play Bohuslav Martinů’s Cello Concerto No. 1 with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. This is music that can only be played at a high level, music that demands precision. ‘There’s no aspect of the cello that Martinů doesn’t exploit. This concerto’s got everything!’

We’re pleased to announce that Stepan Armasar will become the Concertgebouw Orchestra’s new Bernard Haitink associate conductor. Collaborating on approximately half the concert programmes performed during the 2026–27 and the 2027–28 seasons, he will assist Klaus Mäkelä (who will be chief conductor in 2027) and other leading conductors in Amsterdam.

Last Saturday, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra presented a season packed with highlights for a broad audience. The 2026-27 season is characterised by variety and imagination, with a large number of concerts led by future chief conductor Klaus Mäkelä and exciting debuts from new conductors and soloists. Subscriptions are on sale from 31 March.

The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra presents an extraordinary world premiere: Orewoet by Dutch composer Rob Zuidam, with text by the medieval mystic Hadewijch, sung by Katrien Baerts. ‘The sonority, the warmth of their sound, is the orchestra’s strong point,’ says Zuidam.

French conductor Raphaël Pichon, a bright star in the baroque music firmament, has put together an original and exciting concert for his upcoming debut with the Concertgebouw Orchestra. The programme, revolving around music by his compatriot Jean-Philippe Rameau, takes you on a dreamlike journey from the underworld all the way to Mount Olympus. ‘Rameau’s orchestra is a real flesh-and-blood character.’

With a celebrated performance of Bach’s St Matthew Passion on 30 March, we began our annual residency at Baden-Baden’s Easter Festival, taking over from the Berliner Philharmoniker. In the years to come, we’ll return each spring to give several concerts under the baton of Klaus Mäkelä at the prestigious festival.

Why is Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony so special? Iván Fischer explains.