A classical concert among the space capsules
Top musicians Anna Fedorova and Nicolas Santangelo Schwartz of the Davidsbündler Academy are taking over the Space Expo space museum in Noordwijk for one night only. This will take place on Wednesday, May 20, on the occasion of the concert ‘ Beethoven: Destination Moon’ . Amidst rockets, satellites, and the International Space Station (ISS), Space Expo will transform into a concert hall for one evening. It is the first time the museum has hosted a classical concert of this scale.
From moon mission to Beethoven
The museum was not chosen as the location for the concert by chance. “Space travel is topical. With the Artemis program, a new series of moon missions is on the horizon. The universe captures the imagination endlessly. The same applies to the beauty of classical music. During the concert ‘Beethoven: Destination Moon’ , both worlds merge for once. A unique event,” says Annelaure Cazin, co-director of the Davidsbündler Academy and producer of the performance.
Davidsbündler Academy
The Davidsbündler Academy is based in The Hague. The institute offers high-level training in classical music, particularly for pianists and string players. The academy is headed by American Nicholas Santangelo Schwartz (bassist with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra) and renowned concert pianist Anna Fedorova from Ukraine. “Both Anna and Nicholas will perform together with five other musicians and young top talents from the Davidsbündler Academy. In addition to Beethoven, the program includes pieces by Antonio Vivaldi, Henry Mancini, and John Williams, among others. Naturally, we will conclude with an iconic piece from the Star Wars films,” Cazin continues.
Experiment
Ticket sales started today via the museum’s website. For Space Expo, the concert represents an exciting and innovative experiment, says director Frédérique van Steekelenburg-van der Stelt. “As a museum, we primarily tell the story of space travel to the widest possible audience. In addition, we are a dynamic venue for a wide variety of events. A classical concert is new to us, but that is precisely why it is special.”
Space Expo is enthusiastically facilitating the Davidsbündler Academy’s initiative. “We view this as a promising cultural event that aligns seamlessly with the character and mission of our museum. Classical music introduces a new audience to space travel and creates a unique experience. The stage is literally located in the heart of the museum — a setting that brings music and space travel together in an inspiring way. I look forward to this special experience.”
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Practical information:
Concert date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Reception: 7:00 PM
Concert starts: 7:30 PM
End of concert: 9:30 PM
Ticket sales: https://tickets.space-expo.nl/nl/beethoven/tickets
Location: Space Expo Space Museum
Keplerlaan 3
2201 AZ Noordwijk
Program:
H. Mancini / A. Fedorova – Moon river – dreams
A. Scriabin – 2 poems – Alicia – dreams of flying towards the stars
A. Vivaldi – Sonata n.12 in D minor La Follia – preparations for leaving earth
O. Mustonen – Toccata – into the space
D. Scarlatti – Sonata in D minor – zero gravity
L. v. Beethoven – Piano Sonata No.14 ‘Moonlight’ – orbiting the Earth
– BREAK –
L. v. Beethoven – String Trio Op. 9 No. 3, II – the void
B. Fedorov – Dedication – looking back at humanity on earth with fear, terror and hope
P. Vasks – Castillo Interior – mysterious discoveries
C. Debussy – Clair de lune – peaceful drift
A. Fedorova – Amélie Fantasia – black hole
L. v. Beethoven – Symphony No.5, I – cosmic battle
J. Williams – Star Wars – return, celebration!
Musicians:
Anna Fedorova, piano | Borys Fedorov, piano | Daniel Rowland, violin | Iryna Gintova, violin | Dana Zemtsov, viola | Maja Bogdanovic, cello | Nicholas Schwartz, double bass | Young Talents of the Davidsbündler Academy
