For the past 13 seasons, we have organized our Vriendenconcerten series with great pleasure in the Zuiderkerk Amsterdam, with occasional side tripsto locations like the Waalsekerk or the Beurs van Berlage. And now we have moved!
At our concerts, we have always done something extra. Such as of wine or whiskey tastings, lectures, or film screenings. These were always personally introduced by our passionate and fantastic musicians. But we had a long-standing wish to organize “something cozy with food” for our visitors alongside our concerts. And now that is possible at every concert!
I make a deep bow for what owner Lenny Balkissoon has created of the former Christus Koningkerk. Lenny—originally a ballet dancer with a warm artist's heart—has established something beautiful and unique for the neighborhood, and a home for artists.
We are really looking forward to the collaboration with the brand-new Balkissoon Theater. This is where our concert series finds a new home, together with our Amici.We will continue under the name Amici Vriendenconcerten – our trusted name, in a new coat.
We have put together a varied menu for you with fantastic artists: fairy-tale programs, Latino, Indonesian/Japanese, a movie night, and a lot of storytelling. Sometimes with a nod to ballet dance, as a tribute to Lenny. But there is more than just music. From now on, you can choose a concert combined with a dinner package at 18:00. A specially curated menu will then be served in the Grand Café of the Balkissoon Theater.
A melting pot of music, dance forms, storytelling, and good food. I am excited. Will you join us?
Pamela Smits,
Cellist and artistic director of the Friends Concerts Foundation