Vocal ensemble Ludens sings: CANTO –when time becomes space and music begins to float.
With the program CANTO, the Hague Vocal Ensemble Ludens invites the audience to an intense musical experience focused on repetition, stillness, and freedom. In this concert, contemporary choral music, improvisation, and a unique vocal arrangement of the Canto Ostinato merge to create a soundscape where time seems to stand still.
Simeon ten Holt’s Canto Ostinato forms the heart of the program, in a unique arrangement by composer Diederik van der Laag , performed by Ludens and pianist Victor Lange. The singers move freely within the composition’s structure, creating each performance anew in the moment. As Ten Holt himself put it: “Time becomes space in which the musical object begins to float.”
A program of songs by various composers is sung around the Canto, in which sound, text, and atmosphere reinforce each other. Music by Caroline Shaw, Philip Glass , and Karin Rehnqvist guides the listener through musical textures, poetic repetition, and tranquil sounds. In Van der Laag’s “Daughter of the Vine ,” the ethereal sound of singing wine glasses resonates as a symbolic gateway to the world of the Canto.
In this program, Ludens also incorporates improvisation, accompanied in part by piano and vibraphone. This play with freedom is an essential element of their artistic identity. Conductor Raoul Boesten explains: “What does music sound like when it’s not just performed, but also born in the moment? In CANTO, we explore that place where listening, playing, and letting go converge.”
CANTO is not a traditional concert, but an invitation to stillness, attention, and introspection. A musical journey where repetition is not repetition, but each time reveals something new, and where the listener is allowed to drift along for a moment in the magical center of the present.
Concert information
Sunday, March 1 – Concert begins at 3:15 PM – Waalsekerk, The Hague
Vocal ensemble Ludens, led by Raoul Boesten, consists of 12 singers and was founded in 2021 under the auspices of the Kwintessens Foundation. Ludens is known for its captivating performances and profound interpretations of both early and contemporary music. Their goal is to give audiences a soul-stirring experience. To create an experience that connects and brings us closer together.
Enjoy the Baroque opera The Fairy Queen in a historic theatre setting, performed by Ensemble Barok Bruggen with scenography by architect Ayla Azizova.
Dromen van The Fairy Queen presents a contemporary interpretation of The Fairy Queen, Henry Purcell’s famous semi-staged opera, performed by Ensemble Barok Bruggen. The ensemble consists of ten musicians, with a baritone and soprano as soloists, delivering a vivid and immersive performance of this Baroque masterpiece.
The project is further enriched by renowned violinist Ryo Terakado, whose virtuosity and deep knowledge of historical repertoire ensure a performance of exceptional quality.
The interactive direction, designed by architect and interior designer Ayla Azizova, invites the audience to actively participate, making you part of the performance yourself. Inspired by A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, the opera brings humour, poetry and magic to life, demonstrating how Baroque music can still feel sparkling and exciting today.
This project is realised in collaboration with the Mauritshuis Museum, creating a unique combination of music, art and historical context.
The event takes place on 14 February at 14:30 at the Mauritshuis, where you will be surrounded by 17th-century art and music. A unique opportunity to experience history, music and audience participation together in an unforgettable atmosphere.
In March, Residentie Orkest The Hague will share the stage with Argentinian master pianist Nelson Goerner and Swiss-Australian conductor Elena Schwarz. Jun Märkl will conduct an evening of Viennese waltzes, while Chloe Rooke will conduct Herman van Veen’s symphonic children’s fairy tale, Anne de Poes.
Sat 7 Mar, 11:00 & 13:30, Amare: ANNE DE POES (4+)
Anne de Poes begins her life on a ship, but soon everything changes. The ship breaks in two and the little cat loses everything she knows. However, with courage and perseverance, she embarks on a journey full of surprises, encounters, and dreams. Come and listen to the extraordinary story of Anne de Poes. Featuring puppetry, humorous and moving stories, and music to carry you through the entire adventure, this symphonic fairy tale by Herman van Veen is an experience for children aged four and over. The beautiful songs and exciting story make it impossible not to empathize with the little cat. Join us for a fairy tale full of adventure, excitement and beautiful music, performed by an ensemble from the Residentie Orkest conducted by Chloe Rooke.
Fri 13 Mar (8.15 p.m.) & Sun 15 Mar (11 a.m.), Amare: CHOPIN & SIBELIUS
The Residentie Orkest will be joined by two special musical guests: the acclaimed conductor Elena Schwarz and Nelson Goerner, who is returning to the orchestra after many years. The world-famous pianist will perform Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 2, a romantic masterpiece showcasing Chopin’s signature virtuosity and poetic depth. Sibelius’ Symphony No. 1 is a powerful piece inspired by Russian classical traditions that reflects deep human emotions. Friday’s concert opens with Grażyna Bacewicz’s vibrant Overture, a piece that combines rhythm and power. Elena Schwarz will conduct the orchestra with her characteristic precision and flair. This unique combination of conductor, soloist and orchestra brings to life music that touches and inspires.
Especially for children aged 4 to 12, there will be a musical workshop during the Sunday concert for five euros per child. Please reserve in advance. The workshop will be in Dutch.
Sat 21 Mar, 8.30 p.m., Amare, RO NOW: SYMPHONIC WALTZES
You will hear and experience more during RO NOW, in which you will be briefly and powerfully immersed in the most beautiful symphonic music. Christiaan Kuyvenhoven will give you stimulating examples and explanations beforehand, together with the orchestra. This will provide insight into the orchestra’s unique compositions. As for the concert itself? Expect music that surprises, moves and stays with you. Afterwards, be sure to linger in the foyer, where live music, complimentary drinks and a cosy atmosphere will bring the evening to a close.
Richard Strauss’ Suite from ‘Schlagobers’, written for his 60th birthday, will transport you to a Viennese patisserie full of musical delicacies. This rarely performed two-part ballet is a light-hearted, cheerful and charming masterpiece, which the Residentie Orkest is performing for the first time. Following this musical sweetness, Johann Strauss Jr joins in with the irresistible energy of ‘Unter Donner und Blitz’, a musical storm full of humour and flair. The finale is one of his most famous waltzes: An der schönen blauen Donau. It is an evening in which Viennese traditions come to life under sparkling chandeliers.
With views over The Hague and a second stage inside the working Eiber Brewery
On Friday 6 March 2026, Get In Sync will host the third edition of The Rooftop Sessions at Haags Hoog. From 6.00 pm to midnight, the rooftop will once again transform into a dance floor overlooking the skyline of The Hague. New for this edition is an additional stage inside the working brewery of Eiber Bier. For one night only, the brewery will be open to the public. Visitors will find themselves among the stainless steel brewing tanks while the brewery continues to operate.
The line-up features Jaap Ligthart, Lamírla and Steven on the Kas stage, complemented by Alana Agapi, Pierrückt and Nico Nova on the Eiber stage. As always, the focus is on melodic and progressive house, with long sets and space to build atmosphere. The previous Rooftop Sessions in September 2025 was almost completely sold out. With this third edition, the concept is further expanded, both in content and in the use of the location.
About Get In Sync
Get In Sync is a new organisation based in The Hague that programmes electronic music at locations where music and surroundings enhance each other. The focus lies on melodic and progressive house, with attention to atmosphere, closeness and quality. The organisation has realised two editions of Get In Sync at the Scheveningen Pier, featuring well-known DJs such as Beswerda, VNTM live, Hollt and Helsloot, as well as two editions of Rooftop Sessions at Haags Hoog with artists including Juwlz, Ronja and Bass van Buijn. These events were almost sold out and received strong audience appreciation.
In addition, Get In Sync collaborated with Podium aan Zee on the event Get In Sync x Sound of Scheef at the Pier, featuring acts such as Erick E, Estiva and Mitch de Klein. For 2026, Get In Sync is working on several new editions and collaborations.
Residentie Orkest welcomes Anna Fedorova, Blaudzun and Barbara Kozelj
The Residentie Orkest will give its second close-up concert at the Nieuwe Kerk in February 2026, sharing the stage at Amare and Paard with pianist Anna Fedorova, mezzo-soprano Barbara Kozelj, and singer/songwriter Blaudzun. The conductors are Otto Tausk, Jun Märkl, and Joost Geevers.
Sun Feb 1, 11am, Amare: MENDELSSOHN & RAVEL
Experience a thrilling start to your Sunday with the Residentie Orkest, conducted by Otto Tausk. This concert combines Mendelssohn’s playful inventiveness with the vibrant dynamism of Ravel’s piano playing – a program that will surprise and move you in equal measure. An inspiring morning where tradition and innovation go hand in hand. Mendelssohn’s First Symphony is a daring work by a fifteen-year-old who is already making his own musical voice heard. Written for his sister Fanny’s birthday, it bursts with youthful energy, offering a foretaste of the romantic grandeur that would later define Mendelssohn. Ukrainian pianist Anna Fedorova – praised for her deep expression, including by her millions of YouTube viewers – brings Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major to life. This composition, infused with jazzy influences and rich colors, challenges with refinement and virtuosity, and allows Ravel’s love of rhythm and sound to shine.
Specially for children aged 4 to 12, there will be a musical workshop during this concert for five euros per child. Please book in advance. The workshop will be in Dutch.
Fri Feb 6 (8:15 pm) & Sun Feb 8 (2:15 pm), Amare: SMETANA & SCHULLHOFF
Composers depict landscapes not with paint and brush, but with instruments and notes. Today, three masters bring the nature, tradition, and myths of their homeland to life. Smetana’s famous Má vlast (My Homeland) is an ode to his native Czech Republic. The colorful sounds of the Moldau River are the best-known movement, but the other symphonic poems also offer impressive sketches of the Bohemian landscape. The Residentie Orkest, under chief conductor Jun Märkl, opens the concerts with Erwin Schulhoff’s sparkling arrangement of Beethoven’s Rage Over a Lost Penny , a work in which energy, virtuosity, and playful rhythms set the tone. This is followed by his vocal symphony Landschaften from 1912, a recently rediscovered masterpiece in which the composer captures images of nature with warm, expressive sounds. Barbara Kozelj’s captivating mezzo-soprano further intensifies this musical journey. Concerts full of virtuosity and refinement, ideal for anyone who is longing for spring in the middle of winter.
Wed 18 Feb, 8:15 PM, Nieuwe Kerk: CLOSE-UP WITH MOZART & SPOHR
Chamber music at its finest: an intimate, close-up concert where strings and wind instruments shine together in two masterful works. As a spectator, you’ll be seated in a 360° viewing position around the ensemble, experiencing the music up close. Musicians from the Residentie Orchestra bring Mozart’s Piano Quintet and Spohr’s Nonet to life in a program celebrating color and virtuosity. The works offer a fascinating contrast: Mozart’s classical elegance and refinement contrasted with Spohr’s romantic warmth and expressiveness.
Sat. Feb. 28, 8:15 PM, Paard: SYMPHONIC JUNCTION ft. BLAUDZUN
For over ten years, the Residentie Orkest has collaborated with PAARD on the Symphonic Junction series. These unique concerts explore the boundaries of classical and (pop) music. Each edition features a dialogue with a pop music icon. Previous editions have included Rufus Wainwright, Janne Schra, Hef, Pat Smith, Roos Meijer, Tess Merlot, Supersister, and Joep Beving. On the last day of February, the orchestra, conducted by Joost Geevers, will share the stage with Blaudzun. With his distinctive voice, poetic lyrics, and captivating sound, Johannes Sigmond’s musical alter ego has become one of the most idiosyncratic artists in the Netherlands. His music moves between melancholic pop, indie rock, and orchestral arrangements, always recognizable by an intense emotional charge. In short, a perfect match with the orchestra of The Hague.
Photos above : Anna Fedorova, Blaudzun & Barbara Kozelj
In 2024, the trio led by Valerie Holiday, performed to a sold-out Grolsch Zaal in the Paard. On March 22, The Three Degrees can once again be admired at PAARD. Six decades later, the trio has maintained their precise vocal qualities, and in the meantime they have built an impressive list of hit records, including When Will I See You Again.
Alongside countless gold records, King Charles III openly admitted to being a huge fan of The Three Degrees, earning them the nickname Charlie’s Angels. The trio can also still claim the title of the longest-running female group in history and, even two years later, show no signs of slowing down.
