Best spots to catch classical music in Amsterdam

Royal Concertgebouw

This world-renowned concert venue on the Museumplein square consistently ranks among the top halls in the world for its superb acoustics. It is known for being the centre for classical music in Amsterdam and the Netherlands, with its grand Main Hall suited for a full orchestra, a Small Hall for quartets and chamber music and the Choir Hall for intimate recitals. The programming will suit the tastes of discerning listeners as well as beginners. Expect everything from concerts for babies and children to free lunchtime recitals on Wednesday afternoons year-round (with the exception of July and August).

In the evenings, check out the Concertgebouw's Basement Sessions - a cool spot to catch music complete with a dancefloor and ambient chandeliers. Another best-kept-secret is the Concertgebouw’s Entrée program for under-35s. Think exclusive access to concerts, a stylish annual gala and up to 75% discount on regular concert tickets. Take your classical music with a side of cocktails and plenty of socialising with a young buzzy crowd.

Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ

Since its founding in 2005, Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ has become known for its inspirational programme of contemporary music, as well as classical, jazz, and other genres. Home to multiple festivals throughout the year, such as the Cello Biennale or String Quartet Biennale, this venue is extremely versatile thanks to its main concert hall’s flexible and movable ceilings and walls. This allows easy conversion into smaller halls for intimate chamber music or extension for more prominent ensembles without any loss of acoustics. There’s always something on the agenda to please classical music fans, from Schubert and Beethoven to modern composers and young talent.

Opera in the Park

Fancy the sound of heart-wrenching arias under starry skies? There's nothing quite like an alfresco opera performance at one of the city's many cultural venues. Catch a show at the Vondelpark Open Air Theater with its free summertime program, or explore the natural beauty of Frankendael Park in Oost and stay for its occasional Opera in the Park series. Held as part of Holland Festival, this enchanting evening event brings world-class opera productions into a lush, open-air setting. Audiences gather on picnic blankets with wine and snacks to enjoy powerful live performances, often accompanied by a full orchestra, beneath the trees and twilight sky.

National Opera & Ballet

Classical music goes hand in hand with opera and ballet. Don’t miss the brilliant programme of performances at the Dutch National Opera & Ballet, from festive classics such as Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker to soul-stirring performances of Carmen, Turandot, Dido and Aeneas, and much more. Tickets seated in the higher balconies are extremely affordable and still offer an excellent view of the stage and performers.

Orgelpark

Housed in the heritage-listed Parkkerk close to Vondelpark, Orgelpark is an international concert hall hosting church organ concerts as well as quartets and small ensembles. In addition to the varied programme, there's a wonderful Art Deco ambience, an intimate concert hall featuring impressive organs, beautiful and clear acoustics, and a cosy foyer.

De Thomas

Step inside the unassuming De Thomas church on the edge of Zuidas and you'll discover one of the highlights of post-Second World War Dutch architecture. Take in the brutalist surroundings of the church during one of the bi-monthly Tuesday lunchtime concerts. The half-hour concerts highlight classical musicians and ensembles, while De Thomas also hosts various showings, theatre performances and poetry hours.

Klassiek in het Zwembad

Dive into classical music with Klassiek in het Zwembad. Set in Amsterdam’s open-air Flevoparkbad, the evening blends the soaring arias of mezzo-soprano Fee Suzanne de Ruiter, baritone Raoul Steffani and the stirring accompaniment of pianist Caspar Vos with the relaxed atmosphere of a community pool. Expect powerful voices and plenty of sun-drenched swimming for a perfect way to close out the summer season.

Museum Geelvinck

Museum Geelvinck is famed for its exceptional pianola (self-playing piano) collection, but it also doubles as an intimate concert venue with a strong emphasis on classical piano music. It regularly hosts chamber performances and recitals, celebrating historic keyboard instruments. Don’t miss the annual Geelvinck Fortepiano Festival, the world’s largest event dedicated to fortepiano music, drawing renowned international performers and enthusiasts alike.

Church concerts

• Situated in one of Amsterdam's oldest and most charming parts, Noorderkerk is an idyllic setting for a matinee classical concert, regularly attracting an audience of classical experts and curious newcomers. Concerts typically run from September through May on Saturday afternoons.
• NedPhO Koepel, a former church in the Indische Buurt, is hosting free open rehearsals and children’s concerts by the Netherlands Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestras. 
• Many concerts across various Amsterdam churches are scheduled on the Stadsherstel website. You will find performances in churches like De Waalse Kerk, De Duif, Oosterkerk, Vondelkerk, Amstelkerk, Het Zonnehuis in Amsterdam Noord, and many more.
• Oudekerk is one of Amsterdam’s oldest buildings, and it deserves a special mention as it holds concerts on its beautiful organ.

Grachtenfestival

The Grachtenfestival (Canal Festival) is a yearly classical music festival on the Amsterdam canals in August. The city is transformed as concerts happen in parks, on the streets, and on the water. Passers-by in boats often linger along the canals to enjoy the music played on the pontoons. Tickets get sold out fast, so keep an eye out for performances you might be interested in. The festival also has a Junior Grachtenfestival, which offers musical immersion for the whole family.

VriendenLoterij Summer Concerts

The summer programming of The Royal Concertgebouw has more than 80 concerts ranging from classical to jazz and pop. Local and international orchestras will take you into the world of Beethoven, Mozart and Dvořák. Film music fans shouldn’t miss showstopping concerts such as the John Williams Tribute or the Star Wars: Return of the Jedi screening accompanied by a live performance by the resident orchestra.