Amsterdam Archives - The Spidy Editor

Mäkelä and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra continue the fine tradition of Christmas Day concerts

2 January 2024Culture, Music

Royal Concertgebouw Christmas Concert 2023

The Christmas Day concert from Klaus Mäkelä and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra broadcast live on Dutch national television AVROTROS and NPO Klassiek radio on 25th December, not only put classical music…

Inside the Rehearsal Room with Klaus Mäkelä and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra

16 October 2023Culture, Music

'That's where the magic happens!' Klaus Mäkelä, the twenty-seven-year-old Finnish conductor is very much the man of the moment. Much has been written about Mäkelä's training and how he crafted…

A performance of contradictions: Belgian National Orchestra at the Concertgebouw

30 July 2023Music

Performances at the Concertgebouw hold a certain cachet especially amongst conductors; a fact not lost on the conductor Antony Hermus, who took just that extra moment to bask in the glory…

Schotsheuvel: A great little French bistro in Amsterdam

19 July 2023Food

On the night in question, we were looking for a pre-concert dinner near the Concertgebouw and came across this gem of a place quite by accident. Packed to the rafters,…

At the Concertgebouw, it’s all about Lang Lang

9 June 2023Music

Thursday night’s concert in Amsterdam, on a rather grey and chilly June evening was all about Lang Lang. Tickets were like gold dust, devoted fans came prepared with their copies…

The Cottage, Amsterdam: Service most definitely with a smile

18 May 2023Food

Good, hearty food and a very warm welcome are in store when you visit The Cottage, Amsterdam. Situated just off one of the main roads into the centre of Amsterdam…

Through the looking glass: Amsterdam Sinfonietta are a class act at the Muziekgebouw

18 May 2023Music

Spiegel im Spiegel, a joint production between the Amsterdam Sinfonietta and the Netherlands Kamerkoor referencing the minimalist world of Arvo Pärt, was a bold and highly attractive concept. The Venue…

Chailly reigns supreme with Fujita and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra

12 March 2023Music

Chailly and Fujita backstage after the concert discussing the importance of the recurring Dies irae theme in the symphony © Clare Varney

What to expect from an all Rachmaninov concert with one of the world’s greatest conductors? Chailly, as former chief conductor is held in deep affection by the loyal and dedicated…

Coffee District Willemsparkweg: a little gem!

28 November 2022Food

Nestled off the main road near the Concertgebouw, Amsterdam, and all the big museums, this local coffee shop serves excellent coffee and pastries at prices which don’t require a sharp intake of breath.

Wonderfully fresh and delicious fish from the Seafood Bar, Utrecht

27 November 2022Food

Excellent meal at the Seafood Bar, Utrecht and some of the best seafood I have eaten here in the Netherlands.