On May 2 at Muziekgebouw aan ’t IJ on Amsterdam's waterfront, and on May 10 at the Philharmonie in Haarlem, an exciting concert is taking place. The Netherlands Chamber Orchestra performs musical masterpieces by Piazzolla and Jeths, featuring the award-winning soloist, Vincent Van Amsterdam on accordion.

Award-winning accordion soloist Vincent Van Amsterdam plays Piazzolla

The accordion is rarely seen on the concert stage. Anyone who hears the instrument in the hands of Vincent van Amsterdam – winner of the Dutch Classical Talent Award 2016 – will wonder why. He proves that it is an extremely versatile instrument, capable of producing a rich variety of tones and emotions. It was the Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla who took the accordion’s "little brother" – the bandoneon – out of the street cafés and into the world’s concert halls.

Both the Piazzolla concerto and that by Willem Jeths were originally written for bandoneon. However, the music gains in strength and emotion when played on the accordion. Jeths’ compositions are marked by exuberance. Although much of this concerto is calm and pensive in character, there are some extremely forceful bravura passages.

The Netherlands Chamber Orchestra

The Netherlands Chamber Orchestra (Nederlands Kamerorkest) was formed in 1955, and since then its rich history has included many notable achievements. Even after the merger with the Netherlands Philharmonic Orchestra in 1985, the ensemble lost none of its unique identity.

The dynamics amongst the members of the orchestra are particularly striking. They rarely play under the baton of a conductor but, instead, interact with each other almost instinctively. This remarkable chemistry is apparent during every performance.

About the leader, Gordan Nikolić

Gordan Nikolić has been the leader, or "concertmaster", of the NKO since 2004. With his infectious passion for music, the Serbian violinist has brought the ensemble to new heights. Nikolić (b. 1968) studied in Basel with violinist and conductor Jean-Jacques Kantorow but cites Sir Colin Davis as his greatest inspiration, who, in 1997, invited him to become the leader of the London Symphony Orchestra.

Gordan Nikolić took up his appointment as leader and music director in 2004. He does not wield a baton but directs performances from the first violinist’s chair.

Get your tickets

This performance of the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra is one you wouldn't want to miss out on. Get your tickets on the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra website.