The Hortus Festival

The seventh edition of the Hortus Festival stays true to tradition in 2010, presenting classical concerts set amongst the greenery of Dutch heritage highlights. From 15 July to 26 August, head to Amsterdam's Huize Frankendael or Hortus Botanicus on Thursday evenings to catch a concert as part of this renowned summer chamber music festival.

Misia Sert: eternal muse

This year, artistic director Maarten van Veen has designed a programme inspired by the intriguing Parisian muse Misia Sert (1872 - 1950). For more than 50 years, this eccentric character was the muse for numerous Parisian artists including Renoir, Lautrec and Stravinsky with her salon providing a meeting place for major league composers including Ravel, Stravinsky and Poulenc.

Sultry summer evenings

Internationally acclaimed musicians usher in the sultry Amsterdam summer evenings with all concerts beginning at 19:30. Once again, the Hortus Ensemble are the in-house talent while guest appearances from pianist Paolo Giacometti, harp duo Bilitis and piano duo Van Veen are all on the line-up.