The perfect introduction to classical music.
Where do you start when discovering classical music? What are the masterworks you simply must hear at least once? You'll find the answers in Essentials, a curated series of six compact concerts without an interval. Choose at least three concerts at a discount.
An Essentials concert begins at 9.00 p.m. with a 'TOM Talk', an inspiring introduction by popular presenter Thomas Vanderveken. Then the conductor takes to the podium, and the concert begins.
In the 2026/2027 season, you can discover Brahms' Second Symphony and Dvořák's Seventh, as well as two highlights from the piano concerto repertoire and Debussy's La Mer. And have you ever heard Beethoven's famous Fifth in its entirety? Highly recommended!
Entrée Café
After the concerts in the S Series, youth association Entrée organises the free Entrée Café in the Spiegelzaal for everyone: a chance to chat and have a drink with live music or a DJ in the background.
Choose & order your concerts
Frequently asked questions
Below are the most frequently asked questions about ordering a series. Looking for a different question? Read more FAQs here, or contact our customer service team:
+31(0)20 305 10 15 (Mon–Fri, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.; from 31 March to 17 April until 3.30 p.m.) or klantenservice@concertgebouworkest.nl.
What is a subscription? And why would I choose a subscription series?
With a subscription series, you can select an entire season’s worth of world-class concerts by the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.
The advantages:
- The best seats in the house, renewable year after year
- A varied programme, selected with care by us
- Up to 20% savings over single-ticket prices
- Enjoy priority booking and a discount when you order tickets for Extra Concerts
- Can’t make one of your chosen concerts? Subscribers can take advantage of our exchange service or receive credit
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact our customer service on +31(0)20 305 1015 (weekdays from 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.; from 31 March to 17 April until 3.30 p.m.) or klantenservice@concertgebouworkest.nl. Our customer service staff will be happy to assist you.
What if I’m unable to attend one of the concerts in my series?
If you are unable to attend a concert from your series, then you can use our exchange service by contacting our customer service via +31 (0)20 305 10 15 (weekdays from 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m; from 31 March to 17 April until 3.30 p.m.) or klantenservice@concertgebouworkest.nl.
You can exchange the concert you cannot attend for one of the other concerts of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra within the same season. If you choose a higher seating category or a more expensive concert, we kindly ask you to pay the difference.
Are you having trouble finding a concert that suits your taste? Then you can opt for a credit instead.
How can I receive a copy of the 2026-27 season brochure?
We present the programming for the new season of the Concertgebouw Orchestra in March each year, online and in our season brochure. The online 2026/2027 brochure can be found here.
Are you interested in our brochure, but haven’t received one? Just send an email including your name and address details to klantenservice@concertgebouworkest.nl. We are happy to send you a brochure.