European Centre for Art, Culture and Science

Felix & Music

Felix Meritis presents three new concert series in the 220 years old Concert Hall.

Eight prestigious ensembles will play twenty two concerts in the first and oldest Concert Hall of the Netherlands. 

-Van Swieten Society, Ives Ensemble and the Asko Chamber Choir present the concert series News from the Front.
-EnsembleCaméléon, Amstel Quartet, Ruysdael Quartet and  Zapp4 present the concert series Winners!.
-Schneemann & Co presents the concert series Playground! 

NEWS FROM THE FRONT
 
250 years of ‘modern' music
The times are changing. The survival of a rich cultural life in the Netherlands is uncertain, to say the least. Therefore, three noted Dutch music ensembles have decided to work together, not only to reach more people, but also to ensure their continued existence. Only a growing audience can guarantee the survival of Dutch cultural life.

The Van Swieten Society, the Ives Ensemble and the Asko Chamber Choir have a lot to offer. Each ensemble has its own unique identity, and they will each - in their own way - present their innovative repertoire in the oldest concert hall of Western Europe: Felix Meritis. More than 200 years after the founding of Felix Meritis we will enlighten you with music from the 18th, 19th, 20th and 21st centuries.

   
Ives Ensemble, picture: Mark Kohn                                       Van Swieten Society, picture: Frits van Oostenbruggen

The Van Swieten Society performs the oldest repertoire, centred on the great classics who in the 18th century shook the world with their innovative music. The Van Swieten Society will also introduce you to their musical contemporaries. They have mostly fallen into oblivion. But do they deserve that fate? Come to the concerts and decide for yourself!

The Ives Ensemble performs the most contemporary repertoire. Besides works by Charles Ives, John Cage and Morton Feldman, the ensemble also performs musical theatre and cutting-edge sound experiments that will create a new revolution in modern music.

The Asko Chamber Choir performs contemporary works in many styles for chamber choir in one coherent programme. The ASKO chamber choir is a pioneer in the music world because it enables singers and other musicians to experience performing rare and unusual music. Besides their separate performances, they will also join forces on 17 April, 2012, when the ensembles will create a new musical landscape and seek a fusion between old and new.

WINNERS!
Four Amsterdam winners of the prestigious Kersjes Prize; EnsembleCaméléon, Amstel Quartet, Ruysdael Quartet and  Zapp4, present the second season of the successful concert series Winners!. They will show their many faces in twelve concerts of classical repertoire next to brand new compositions, music from various countries and styles, and cross-overs with other disciplines and cultures. These are just a few of the ingredients of a varied programme. 

   
 Amstel Quartet, picture: Marco Borggreve        EnsembleCaméléon, picture: Foppe Peter Schut

CONCERT HALL OF FELIX MERITIS
The oldest concert hall in the Netherlands was the centre of musical life in the Dutch capital until 1830, and was known as an acoustic marvel. Various composers such as Schumann, Brahms and Saint-Saëns performed in the concert hall. The Ninth Symphony of Beethoven was performed for the first time in this hall in the Netherlands. The hall is still known for its wonderful acoustics, which make it very suitable for ensembles.  The construction of the Kleine Zaal of the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam is based on the Felix Meritis Concert Hall.

          
  "Vue de l'interieur de la Salle des concerts", appr. 1789   Concert Hall 2011, picture: Thomas Schlijper

The Concert Hall of Felix Meritis was renovated in the summer of 2010. The oval-shaped room has been painted in three colours, from the lower walls up to the top of the domed ceiling. A soft yellow colour predominates, alternating with other light grey and pale blue shades. In addition, a sophisticated ventilation system has been installed. The previously darkened windows are now opened, creating a very charming view.

The works in the Concert Hall were made possible by a grant from the city of Amsterdam. Thanks to Evelyne Merkx and Architects J. of Stigt for their advice

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