The Grachtenfestival - Classical Music in Amsterdam

This is a festival like no other! Named after the city's canals, the Grachtenfestival is an annual classical music event featuring performances in extraordinary locations throughout central Amsterdam, along the IJ River and in Amsterdam Noord. During the festival, Amsterdam grows at least 50 rare concert locations richer, from canal house salons to open-air locations along or on the city's waterways.

Mayor of Amsterdam Eberhard van der Laan recently became patron of the Grachtenfestival, taking over the role from former mayor Job Cohen. Accepting the patronage, Mayor van der Laan said it was an honour to hold the patronage and expressed his deep enthusiasm for the festival.

This year, the festival takes place from 12 to 21 August and is especially focused on new musical talent from all over the Netherlands as well as on taking visitors on a fun and informal musical journey of discovery around new locations. Each year, the festival programme is organised around a theme.

The first Saturday of the festival, 4 August, is dedicated to Future Sounds - Young classical on the water, with new talent playing outdoors in a concert route. The House, Garden and Roof Terrace series of concerts is scheduled to take place on the following Saturday, 11 August, showcasing the winners of national and international competitions. These concerts are always popular with festival goers, many of whom start queuing early for tickets on the morning of the concert.

The Junior Grachtenfestival provides a kid's version of the regular festival featuring performances especially tailored for kids in fun locations, such as Vuurtoreneiland, the region's own lighthouse island. The organisers ensure that ticket prices are kept affordable, and several open-air concerts are free to the public. Tickets are available via the Grachtenfestival website at www.grachtenfestival.nl, or at the AUB Ticketshop.

For more information, visit www.grachtenfestival.nl.