Saint-Saëns, Janáček and Adès
In Saint-Saëns' famous Danse macabre, we hear how Death plays his violin and makes all people dance together—king, servant, or peasant; before Death, everyone is equal. Where are they dancing to? The inferno may be closer than we think. In Crumb's Black Angels , war is hell on earth. For Thomas Adès, hell is a claustrophobic dinner party; according to Janáček's 'Kreutzer' Quartet, the devil resides within ourselves. A surprising concert full of deceptively familiar sounds, seductive dances, and alienating effects. For the darkest themes inspire composers to create the most colorful music.
Close-up
In the Close-up chamber music series, musicians from the Concertgebouw Orchestra perform self-composed programs in the Small Hall. Each one is a unique, one-off concert that cannot be heard anywhere else. The perfect way to experience the individual qualities of the orchestra musicians! The intimate concerts are organized by the Friends of the Concertgebouw and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.