What not to miss during the 2022 Grachtenfestival

Starting tomorrow, the largest classical music festival in the Netherlands will start again. During the Grachtenfestival, young musicians from all over the world promise to surprise audiences with Amsterdam as a beautiful setting. MASTERS finds out which performances you should definitely not miss over the next ten days; grab your calendar....

Friday, Aug. 12

On Friday, the organization of the Grachtenfestival and the Meervaart present the very first edition of Sloterplas Live. A musical event on the boulevard of the Sloterplas, opposite the Meervaart. Besides the beautiful surroundings, which also offers perfect cooling on this hot day, from 16.30 you can enjoy among others the Afro-Caribbean drum band KalentuRa, Amsterdam pianist Feico Deutekom who brings a summery mix of cross-over classical music, singer Noa Lauryn and singer-songrapper Benjamin Fro. The evening will be kicked off around a quarter to nine by Amsterdam brass band Gallowstreet, with a festive mix of hip-hop, funk, afrobeat and dance.

Saturday, Aug. 13 

On Saturday and Sunday, the premiere of SmallWorld will take place at Eye. A special concept; during the animated film you will listen to the live music of emerging composer Camiel Jansen, performed by the Asko | Schönberg Ensemble conducted by Clark Rundell. Small World was made especially for the Grachtenfestival and takes you into musical adventures of Sem the Mouse. Highly recommended for young and old alike....

Sunday, Aug. 14 

How nice is it to start your Sunday morning with beautiful music in a beautiful location ánd good coffee? The unique art-deco room of Hotel The Grand will host the music of Jazz clarinetist Martí Mitjavila on Sunday. The musician is an up-and-coming talent from Barcelona and even won the Grachtenfestival Jazz Competition this year. 

Monday, August 15 

On Monday, at 2 p.m., Bijlmerplein will be all about jazz. Diana Dzhabbar is an Afro-Ukrainian saxophonist based in Amsterdam and began her bachelor's degree in saxophone at the Conservatory of Amsterdam in 2019. On Monday, Diana will play her favorite compositions from the American Songbook to which she puts her own spin. You will also hear music she wrote herself in recent years. 

Friday, Aug. 19 

On the last Friday, the Intercontinental Ensemble, together with top cellist Benjamin Kruithof, organizes a musical Friday afternoon drink at the Olympic Stadium. All you have to do, according to the organization, is buy a ticket, arrange a picnic blanket and bring cold drinks in your cooler.

In addition to these performances, there is much more to experience during the Canal Festival. Check out here on the website for more information.