De Duif Amsterdam

"An wonderful performance by Twents Jeugd Symphony Orchestra at De Duif Amsterdam.

Last Sunday I attended a delightful concert at De Duif Amsterdam, featuring the talented Twents Jeugd Symphony Orchestra. The historic and majestic setting of De Duif provided a perfect backdrop for an evening filled with beautiful music and exceptional performances.

From the moment the orchestra took the stage, it was evident that the musicians were not only skilled but also deeply passionate about their craft. Under the expert direction of their conductor, each piece was executed with precision and emotion, captivating the audience from start to finish.

The program consisted of wonderful classical masterpieces by Antillean composers. The dynamic range of the musicians was truly impressive, from the powerful crescendos to the delicate and nuanced passages that left the audience in awe.

The acoustics of De Duif were superb, allowing every note and nuance to ring out clearly and resonate throughout the space. The combination of the orchestra's skillful playing and the venue's atmospheric ambience created a truly magical experience.

One particular highlight of the evening was the solo performance by Alexander Kraft van Ermel, a young Dutch concert pianist, who took to the piano to pay tribute to his grandfather Wim Statius Muller, the acclaimed Antillean musician and composer.

With each note that Alexander played, it was clear that he is not only a talented pianist in his own right but also a custodian of his grandfather's musical legacy. The heartfelt renditions of Wim Statius Muller's compositions evoked a sense of nostalgia and admiration for the rich heritage of Antillean music.

The audience was captivated by Alexander's performance, as he skillfully brought to life the intricate melodies and emotions woven into his grandfather's music, a truly memorable experience.

If you have the opportunity to experience a concert at De Duif, you won't be disappointed. I highly recommend it."

Epicurean Flow

"Beautiful atmosphere with great acoustics. It was an old chuckle but used as an event venue."

Damla Nisa Cevik

"Concert: PORTICO QUARTET.

Seated concert in this incredible church building. The acoustics helped convert their immersive sounds. It was hard to stay seated during the climax passages of the music.

A single performer performance was something I have not experienced. This format worked well for music which contains long and wandering segments.

The only downside was a hiccup with the sound. A couple of times there was a loud bang before the concert started which sounded like a cable being disconnected.

Another issue I had was the size and position of the sound reinforcement, It needed to be higher so offer better coverage of the whole audience. I am not sure that the small floor standing arrays were enough for the size of venue. That said, live sound always comes with restraints, maybe they had limited access to system or mounting ability. I am a tough critic in this field.

A brilliant evening. Thanks to the staff, sound engineers and Portico Quartet."

Edward Oakley