The Essentials series introduces you to the masterpieces you want to have heard. In the coming season you can get to know iconic symphonies like Brahms’ Fourth, Shostakovich’s Tenth and Tchaikovsky’s enigmatic Sixth, as well as Mendelssohn’s beloved ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Each concert kicks off with a playful introduction, and after the concert you can enjoy a chat and a drink in the Spiegelzaal.

The Essentials series was developed in collaboration with global partners ING and Unilever.

Entrée-Essentials: Tsjaikovski's Zesde symfonie

Oct 16, 2025
Entrée-Essentials: Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6
Tchaikovsky’s moving swan song, with an imaginative introduction

Essentials: Mendelssohns ‘Ein Sommernachtstraum’

Dec 6, 2025
Essentials: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Iván Fischer conducts Mendelssohn’s fairy-like theatre music

Essentials: Schumanns Derde symfonie

Jan 8, 2026
Essentials: Schumann’s Symphony No. 3
Klaus Mäkelä conducts Robert Schumann’s vibrant ‘Rhenish’ Symphony

Essentials: de Tiende van Sjostakovitsj

Feb 20, 2026
Essentials: Shostakovich’s Tenth
Rafael Payare conducts Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10

Essentials: Beethovens 'Keizersconcert'

Apr 24, 2026
Essentials: Beethoven's 'Emperor Concerto'
featuring pianist Yefim Bronfman

Essentials: de Vierde van Brahms

May 8, 2026
Essentials: Brahms’ Symphony No. 4
With an imaginative introduction (in Dutch)