In a world where division and the madness of the day compete fiercely for public attention, fortunately there is one safe haven to be found. An oasis of peace, reflection and beauty, music unites and puts everything in a new light.

We proudly present to you a dazzling musical 13^th season with top-notch musical gems; musical pieces that move, delight, and transport.

Once again, artistic director and cellist Pamela Smits has succeeded in putting together a bold concert series on the menu for this season, with nothing less than a series of soul-stirring, carefully curated masterpieces, performed by top-notch national and international musicians.

The themes of the works unfold both close to home and in distant, exotic travel destinations, with undiscovered treasures of the highest caliber. That inspiration is the spark to create something unique and expressive can be heard not only from the eight programmed concerts, but also from the composers and, last but not least, from the musicians themselves.

We look forward to welcoming you to the concerts. We hope to see you soon!

A new board is in place – many thanks to the veteran board members!

During a beautiful gathering in June, the board of Foundation Vriendenconcerten experienced a smooth transition. Igor Wortel (chairman) and Nellie Cornelissen (board member) have handed over their tasks. We also greatly appreciate Guus Raaphorst, a loyal volunteer since 2017, for his efforts.

It was not a formal goodbye, but there was a delicious dinner offered by Igor Wortel- a gesture greatly appreciated by all. Fortunately, Igor will remain ‘on board’ for a while to help out with marketing.

New faces on the board are: Martin Haring, Lot Bierens, Kees van Maris and Ditte Veerman. Together with Jan Hondeveld and Ascon van der Westen, who have been serving as board members for many years, they form the new board team.

With a fresh line-up, a new website – please feel free to explore – ánd brimming with ideas, we are looking forward to the future with confidence. Thanks to everyone – veteran and new- who are giving their all into creating a wonderful concert series!

The closing concert of the season “Nederlandse en Amsterdamse Baro(c)kmuziek” on June 1, 2025 in the Zuiderkerk was enthusiastically received by the public and press alike.

Despite the sudden withdrawal of harpsichordist Alessandro Pianu, the musicians proved flexible enough to adapt the colorful program a little, including some compositions by Erik Bosgraaf. Historical instruments, Amsterdam composers (baroque and contemporary!) and even a replica of a guitar from 1760 – by the then famous Amsterdam luthier Gosewyn Spyker – created an atmospheric and authentic experience.

In a beautiful review in De Nieuwe Muze by Wenneke Savenije, the performance of Ensemble Cordevento – with Izhar Elias (guitar), Erik Bosgraaf (recorder) and Pamela Smits (cello) – is praised for the flexibility, passion and musicality with which the program was presented.The three musicians performed solo, as a duo or as a trio, in unison, 'authentically' driven and with an infectious passion. The audience visibly enjoyed the music, the relaxed explanations and the passionate collaboration of the three top-notch musicians.

The audience visibly enjoyed the music, the relaxed explanations and the passionate collaboration of the three top musicians.

It was a beautiful conclusion of a special concert season.