Derek’s Guide to the Concertgebouw

Tags:amsterdam city life concerts culture music

I’m hesitant to share this information, because I know you’re all going to go there and make it harder for me to buy tickets for about an eighth of their real price.  I’m about to tell you about one of the best secrets in all of Amsterdam, one that so few students take advantage of, but one that everyone under 27 should.

I love the Concertgebouw.  An acoustically perfect concert hall with one of the world’s best symphony orchestras?  Sign me up!  Not only have I witnessed a litany of amazing concerts by the Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest with a variety of guest conductors, but I’ve seen the London Symphony Orchestra,  jazz pianist McCoy Tyner, jazz saxophonist Sonny Rollins, the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra, and several other once-in-a-lifetime performers.  I even went to a concert with some friends where an annual Johann Strauss music festival featured ballet in front of the orchestra, and we were served a free glass of sparkling wine during the intermission.  All for €7,50.  There is an incredible variety of music, and the Concertgebouw website (concertgebouw.nl) is fantastic.

Not only is the building beautiful and the music breathtaking, but sprint tickets (sprintplaats) can be had for €7,50 for those under 27 years of age.  To get one, I just show up at the concert 45 minutes before it starts… and never has a concert I’ve wanted to attend been sold out.  In fact, it’s supremely easy to check whether they’ll have tickets available: I just call the Concertgebouw 24-hour information line (listed on this page) at +31 (0)20-5730511 on the day of the concert, press the button for English, and listen.

There are also free lunchtime concerts every Wednesday at 12:30pm — although I always try to show up early to ensure myself a seat.  There are also free lunchtime concerts sometimes at Het Muziektheater, but you’ll have to pick up a flier for the exact times.  See also this iamsterdam page about lunchtime concerts.

Why does no one go to the Concertgebouw?  I really have no idea, but I assume it’s a combination of not knowing it is only €7,50 for a night on the town and thinking that experiencing classical music isn’t worth the time.  Au contraire, mes amis, au contraire.

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