Concertgebouw

Concertgebouw, is exactly what its literal translation in English suggests, a ‘concert building’. It is not only one of the most famous concert halls in Amsterdam, but is also celebrated as the most philharmonic concert venues in the world due to its brilliant acoustics. The Concertgebouw has also claimed to be one of the finest concert halls in the world.

History of Concertgebouw

The impressive building of the Concertgebouw was completed in the year 1886; however, it was fully operational and opened to the public in 1888. It has been the centre for the classical music scene of the Netherlands for over a century now. The annual attendance at the venue is estimated to hit more than 800,000 visitors.

The inaugural concert held in this renowned building was conducted by Henri Viotta directing about 120 musicians and 500 singers as part of the chorus on the 11th of April in 1888. Adolf Leonard van Gendt was the architect of this acoustic wonder.

The building added a modern wing during its renovation phase that lasted from 1982 to 1995. However, this renovation was carried on with such expertise that it did not disrupt any of the concerts that were held here during the time.

Things to see and hear at the Concertgebouw

The Concertgebouw has one great hall and one smaller, oval-shaped Kleine Zaal. The hall holds about nine hundred concerts per year, usually in a multiple series. While the great hall holds about 445 concerts, the smaller hall conducts around 390 concerts per year. The Concertgebouw not only holds classical music concerts, but has also come to showcase jazz and pop shows along with special events such as festive occasions and congresses.

The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra happens to be the most prominent ensemble featured at the concert building with around 120 shows a year.

Concertgebouw Opening Times and Tickets

The Concertgebouw is open seven days a week from 10.00 a.m. to 8.15 p.m. The box office opens Monday to Friday, 1.00 p.m. to 8.15 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays 10.00 a.m. to 8.15 p.m.; however, only tickets for the same night are on sale after 7.00 p.m.