Free open-air concert in Oosterpark

With Opening Night, the Concertgebouw Orchestra travels through Amsterdam. Following previous editions on Dam Square, in Westerpark, at the NDSM Wharf, in Nelson Mandela Park and in Sloterpark, it is now Oosterpark’s turn. Together with entrepreneurs and partners from Amsterdam East, we will celebrate the start of a new concert season.

From 6.45 to 7.30 p.m., classical music, jazz and big band meet. The Jazz Focus big band from Amsterdam East, conducted by Lorenzo Mignacca, and the Nederlands Jeugd Strijkorkest, conducted by Carel den Hertog, join forces with alumni of Concertgebouw Orchestra Young and students of the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in music by composers including Grieg, Dvořák, Borodin, Gershwin and Tchaikovsky.

From 8.15 p.m., the Concertgebouw Orchestra takes to the stage. Han-Na Chang conducts a programme that shows the orchestra in all its colours. After energetic overtures by Glinka and Rossini come Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune, Bernd Richard Deutsch’s Balera, music from Bizet’s Carmen and a polka by Johann Strauss Jr. Wagner’s Tannhäuser Overture brings the concert to a fairy-tale finale.

Food and drinks

The food trucks will be open from 5 p.m. You may also bring your own food and drink. Please leave glass at home and dispose of waste in the bins provided. Feel free to bring a blanket or a low stool. A limited number of picnic benches will be available. The audience area is on grass, where the ground may be uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

In the event of rain, the concert will generally go ahead as planned. Please bring a poncho and leave umbrellas at home, so everyone can keep a clear view of the stage. Please keep an eye on our website on the day itself for the latest information.

We expect the following food trucks to be present:

• Tigris en Eufraat
• Vita Friet
• Coroni
• Rayleigh & Ramsay
• Baramaribo
• Holy Moly Pizza
• Churros
• Yemayá's Vegan Corner
• Koken met Babel
• Moes
• Caffe Racer

In addition, Hotel Arena in Oosterpark is offering a special three-course menu for Opening Night at Restaurant PARK for €29.50, to be enjoyed before the concert.

A limited number of picnic benches will be available. The audience area is on grass, where the ground may be uneven, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Weather

In the event of rain, the concert will generally go ahead as planned. Please bring a poncho and leave umbrellas at home, so everyone can keep a clear view of the stage. Please keep an eye on our website on the day itself for the latest information.

The stage will be located on the large field on the west side of Oosterpark. The nearest entrance is at the Beukenweg/Oosterpark junction, opposite the main entrance to OLVG. We recommend coming on foot, by bicycle or by public transport. Wibautstraat metro station is about a five-minute walk away. Trams 1, 3, 19 and 25 and bus 37 also stop nearby. Roadworks are taking place around Oosterpark, so please plan your journey in advance.

There will be no additional parking near the concert site. The audience area is largely on grass, but wheelchair-accessible spaces will be available. Pets are not permitted; guide dogs and assistance dogs are, of course, welcome.

Do you have questions about accessibility, food and drink, or other practical matters relating to the concert? You may find the answer in our frequently asked questions.

AVROTROS will broadcast Opening Night live on NPO Klassiek radio. On Sunday, 13 September, the concert will be shown on television via NPO 2 at 6.15 p.m. and 11.45 p.m. As a visitor, you may appear on camera during the recording.