Peter and the Wolf at the Princess Máxima Centre

Aurel Dawidiuk speaks about the concert at the Princess Máxima Centre: ‘Above all, this was an exceptionally emotional concert - sorrowful and beautiful at the same time, and even joyful. As musicians, we are always striving for the best possible performance, and in doing so, we sometimes forget the most human aspect: we are making music together for others. That is exactly what we experienced during the performance at the Princess Máxima Centre, a sense of unity and connection among people, regardless of age or health. After the final applause, there was still something in the air, a deeper message between the notes about the bond between the young children, their parents, the medical staff and the orchestra. Some of us have also faced cancer in our families or circles of friends, I myself have, too. Contributing to this concert was therefore a profoundly moving and enriching experience that will stay with us for a long time. I know I speak on behalf of all the musicians when I say that we are deeply grateful to have been able to take part.’

In the evening, Dawidiuk conducted the orchestra once again, this time at a private benefit gala in the Main Hall of the Concertgebouw, where the programme included Weber’s Oberon Overture.

Each season, the Concertgebouw Orchestra gives concerts with a social focus, such as previous performances at Amsterdam UMC. Queen Máxima, after whom the children’s hospital is named, has been the orchestra’s patroness for many years.

For Dawidiuk, these were his first concerts with the Concertgebouw Orchestra. In the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 seasons, he will assist internationally renowned conductors in Amsterdam and on tour, and collaborate with orchestra members in chamber music projects. In April, he will conduct two concerts in the Main Hall, featuring works by Debussy, Poulenc and Tchaikovsky.

The Bernard Haitink Associate Conductorship has been made possible thanks to a generous donation from the Haitink family.