Fons Merkies live in Rotterdam

Experience Fons Merkies live on December 23rd

Fons Merkies will perform at De Doelen in Rotterdam on December 23, 2026. Merkies is a Dutch composer and performer known for his work with the ondes Martenot, an early electronic musical instrument. His compositions frequently explore spectral music and microtonality, often creating immersive and subtly shifting soundscapes. He blends electronic sounds with acoustic instruments, resulting in pieces that are both innovative and deeply rooted in musical tradition. Merkies’ work is characterized by a focus on timbre and resonance, aiming to evoke specific emotional or atmospheric responses in the listener. He has received commissions from numerous orchestras and ensembles internationally and is recognized as a leading figure in contemporary electronic music.

De Doelen is a renowned concert hall in Rotterdam, Netherlands, with a rich history dating back to 1848. Originally built as a shooting range ("doelen" translates to "targets"), it was transformed into a concert venue in the late 19th century. The current main hall, the Grote Zaal, opened in 1966 and is celebrated for its acoustics.