Diamonds are Forever - concert

Together with the growing talents of the Netherlands Youth String Orchestra (NJSO) and no fewer than three soloists, we end our celebration of 750 years of Amsterdam with a grand finale. It will be an afternoon full of virtuosity, passion and many musical gems.

15-year-old Demian is an exceptional piano talent and is currently studying at the Amsterdam Conservatory. He came to the Netherlands with his family as a refugee at the outbreak of the Russian/Ukrainian war. Shostakovich's first piano concerto is a work full of satire, emotion, technical bravado and is deeply rooted in the Russian tradition. A prominent role is reserved for the trumpet. This solo part is performed by a young trumpet talent from the Conservatory of Amsterdam. We also hear the piano concerto by Hans Henkemans, a hidden gem from Dutch music history. And we are treated to a few more rare gems, including the cello concerto by the almost forgotten composer Monn. This baroque beauty is brought back to life under the passionate hands of Pamela and the NJSO.

A festive final concert after a year full of music, in which the rich history and cultural diversity of Amsterdam have been honored in a special way. On to the future, in which all musical diamonds may shine in all their beauty!

Program - Diamonds are Forever

WILLEM VAN OTTERLOO Suite for string orchestra

HANS HENKEMANS Concerto for piano and string orchestra

GEORG MATTHIAS MONN Cello Concerto in G minor

- intermission -

JAN PIETERZOON SWEELINCK Chromatic fantasy (arr. B. v/d Sigtenhorst Meyer 1951)

DIMITRI SHOSTAKOVICH Concerto no. 1 for piano, trumpet and string orchestra in C minor opus 35