West-Eastern Divan Orchestra live in Amsterdam

Experience West-Eastern Divan Orchestra live on September 22nd

The West-Eastern Divan Orchestra is scheduled to perform at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam on September 22, 2026. Founded in 1999 by Daniel Barenboim and Edward Said, the orchestra brings together young musicians from Israel and Arab countries. Its musical style is rooted in the classical repertoire, particularly that of the late Romantic and early 20th-century periods, but frequently incorporates works reflecting Middle Eastern musical traditions and contemporary compositions fostering intercultural dialogue. The orchestra’s performances are characterized by a commitment to both technical excellence and expressive interpretation, often aiming to transcend political boundaries through music.

The Concertgebouw, opened in 1888, is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and is consistently ranked among the world’s greatest concert halls. Designed by architect Pieter Cuypers, it is celebrated for its shoebox shape which contributes significantly to its natural reverberation. Throughout its history, the Concertgebouw has been home to the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra but also hosts numerous international ensembles and soloists. Its interior features rich ornamentation and a warm colour palette, creating an intimate atmosphere despite its considerable size.