Societal Ambitions

A night to remember…

What an evening! Thanks to all of you, Opening Night on Friday 12 September in the Sloterpark was truly special. The park’s green setting, the enthusiastic audience, and the warm hospitality of the residents of Nieuw-West created an amazing atmosphere.

With conductor Stéphane Denève at the helm, our orchestra performed the following programme:

  • Overture from Candide – Leonard Bernstein
  • Allegro con fuoco (from Symphony No. 9, “From the New World”) – Antonín Dvořák
  • Morning Mood and In the Hall of the Mountain King from ‘Peer Gynt Suite No. 1’ – Edvard Grieg
  • Nachtgezang (Night Song) – Karmit Fadael
  • Scherzo – Claude Chalhoub
  • Arabian Dance (Coffee) from ‘The Nutcracker’ – Pyotr Tchaikovsky *
  • Ritual Fire Dance from ‘El amor brujo’ – Manuel de Falla *
  • La Valse – Maurice Ravel
  • The Great Gate of Kiev from ‘Pictures at an Exhibition’ (orchestration Maurice Ravel) – Modest Mussorgsky

These pieces were accompanied by a spectacular choreography by ISH Dance Collective

Encores:

  • Flying Theme from ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ – John Williams
  • Main Title from ‘Star Wars’ – John Williams
  • The Imperial March (Darth Vader's Theme) from ‘Star Wars’ – John Williams

Radio and television

Would you like to experience the concert again?

Below, you can see the first photos from the concert.

Once again, thank you, and we look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming concerts!

Drone footage of Opening Night in Sloterpark on 12 September 2025
Drone footage of Opening Night in Sloterpark on 12 September 2025(photo: Luchtfilmproducties / Nathan Reinds)
Conductor Stéphane Denève showed how music can bring hearts together.
Conductor Stéphane Denève showed how music can bring hearts together.(photo: Eduardus Lee)
People relaxed on blankets and cushions in the grass, enjoying an evening of music and togetherness.
People relaxed on blankets and cushions in the grass, enjoying an evening of music and togetherness.(photo: Nathan Reinds)
The musicians shared their passion with the audience through their performance.
The musicians shared their passion with the audience through their performance.(photo: Eduardus Lee)
Dancers from ISH Dance Collective performed a beautiful dance during two works.
Dancers from ISH Dance Collective performed a beautiful dance during two works.(photo: Nathan Reinds)
Stéphane Denève conducted the orchestra with captivating energy during Opening Night.
Stéphane Denève conducted the orchestra with captivating energy during Opening Night.(photo: Eduardus Lee)
A network of local residents and creators from Amsterdam Nieuw-West offer visitors handmade throws.
A network of local residents and creators from Amsterdam Nieuw-West offer visitors handmade throws.(photo: Nathan Reinds)
The pre-show is already drawing a big crowd.
The pre-show is already drawing a big crowd.(photo: Nathan Reinds)
The food trucks serve plenty of different food and drink options.
The food trucks serve plenty of different food and drink options.(photo: Nathan Reinds)
View our concert calender and come listen again soon!

The Concertgebouw Orchestra's Opening Night is made possible by the support of Global Partners ING, Booking.com and The Magnum Ice Cream Company, whose shared aim is to make classical music accessible to as wide an audience as possible.