Classical Amsterdam: the best music venues in the Dutch capital
Amsterdam has more than 50 inspiring venues, offering everything from symphony orchestras and classical music ensembles to chamber recitals and opera. Take a visual trip with us around the waterways to discover some of the best.
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1. The Grachtenfestival - music along the canals
Held at special venues around the city’s waterways, the 10-day Grachtenfestival presents fantastic performances by talented young musicians at some of the city's most stunning locations. Photo: Getty
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2. The Royal Theatre Carré - the concert hall that was once a circus
Enjoy full-blown opera productions and concerts at the neo-Renaissance-style Koninklijk Theater Carré ('Royal Theatre Carré'), established in 1887 as a permanent circus building for the German impresario Oscar Carré. In 1956, the Carré introduced musical theatre to the Netherlands with Gershwin's Porgy and Bess. Photo: Erik Zachte
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3. The Royal Concertgebouw - one of the world's best classical venues
Home to the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, this is one of the world's greatest concert halls famed for its amazing acoustic. The Dutch Philharmonic Orchestra also regularly performs here as do some of the biggest names in classical music. Photo: Getty
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4. The Noorderkerk - a 'market place for music'
Located at Amsterdam's North Market where ships were loaded with merchandise, the North Church hosts a weekly Saturday afternoon concert where both young talent and more established performers play for a diverse audience of residents, visitors and music lovers from all over the city. Photo: Getty
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5. The Beurs van Berlage - from stock exchange to concert hall
In the heart of the city, the Beurs van Berlage was originally designed as a stock exchange. Its Main Hall, used originally as a trading floor for commodities, is now a concert hall with superb acustics and the seat of the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra. Photo: Getty
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6. The Oudekerk - home to a world-famous organ
The Oudekerk has been one of Amsterdam's most important churches for music for more than seven centuries. As far back as the 15th century the church had an organ. Between 1577 and 1621 it was played by the composer Sweelinck. Today it hosts a range of classical and organ concerts. Photo: Getty
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7. Muziekgebouw aan’t IJ - a spectacular new venue
The Muziekgebouw aan’t IJ is a new addition to Amsterdam's music scene, worth a visit for the architecture alone. Located in the former docklands, the view from the café over the river and city skyline is spectacular – particularly at sunset. Great also for an opera or classical concert.
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8. The Bethaniënklooster - in the heart of the Red Light District
Built in the 1500s the Bethaniënklooster was originally a convent for penitent fallen women. Ironically its contemporary location is in the heart of Amsterdam's Red Light District. It has been a concert venue since the year 2000, putting on more than 120 concerts a year and attracting nearly 10,000 visitors. Photo: Bethaniënklooster
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9. The Felix Meritis - music in the round
The Felix Meritis ('Happy through Merit') is a European centre for art, culture and science. The neo-classical building, which opened in 1776, was designed for 'Music, Drawing, Physics, Commerce and Literature.' It today houses concerts in its large, oval shaped concert hall. Photo: Amsterdam Municipal Department for the Preservation and Restoration of Historic Buildings and Sites (bMA)
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10. The Amstelkerk - where Napoleon kept his horse
This intimate, 17th century, wooden church was only meant to be temporary; Napoleon is said to have kept his horse there. The church is still standing. It has wonderful acoustics and puts on numerous orchestral and chamber music recitals throughout the year. Photo: degroenegrachten.nl
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11. Uilenburger Synagogue - bringing Israeli culture to the Netherlands
Amsterdam's Uilenburger Synagogue is now the home of the 'KunstenIsrael Presents' concert series, supporting cultural projects from Israel in the Netherlands. Built in 1766, the building has a long history and is rapidly becoming an active cultural centre.
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12. The Muziektheater Amsterdam - for opera and ballet
The Amsterdam Music Theatre is home to De Nederlandse Opera and the Dutch National Ballet. Both companies perform the majority of their works at the venue. The Muziektheater also regularly presents guest performances including dance and musical theatre productions. Photo: Amsterdam Tourist Agency
