Concertgebouw

Frommer's Review

The Concertgebouw (Concert Building), home base of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, opened its doors in 1888 and is said to be one of the world's most acoustically perfect concert halls. Musical performances have a distinctive richness of tone that is as much a pleasure for the performer as for the audience. During the musical season (Sept-Mar) and the annual Holland Festival, the world's greatest orchestras, ensembles, conductors, and soloists perform here. Concerts and recitals happen every day and often there's a choice of two programs at the same time on the same evening: one in the Grote Zaal (Great Hall), the other in the smaller Kleine Zaal (Little Hall). Don't worry about your location -- every seat in the Grote Zaal has a clear view. It's even possible to sit onstage behind the performers; tonal quality is altered there, however, so those seats are actually cheaper.

There are free lunchtime rehearsal concerts at 12:30pm on Wednesdays during the October to June concert season. These may feature chamber music, symphonic performances, or abbreviated previews of a full concert to be played that same evening.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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