Concertgebouw

Concertgebouw is a neoclassical concert hall located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The architect Adolf Leonard Van Gendt was inspired by the Gewandhaus in Leipzig. Construction began in 1884 and was completed in late 1886. The hall opened on April 10, 1888 with an inaugural concert. This concert had an orchestra of 120 musicians and 500+ singer in the chorus. The hall was created to host orchestral and operatic performances, and when it was built, the acoustics were something of a ‘black art.’ This basically means that they were incredible; it was as if a magic essence helped these acoustics be unlike anything heard before. There are three famous halls within the Concertgebouw: the Main Hall, seating 1974, the Recital Hall, seating 437, and the recently added Choir Hall, seating 150. The purpose of the hall is also to give as many people as possible the opportunity to experience the power of music expressed through unique characteristics in this venue.

The hall is unsuited for amplified music; although, artists like Led Zeppelin, The Who, and Pink Floyd performed here in the 1960’s. In addition, the venue has hosted extremely talented jazz and classical musicians: Gustav Mahler, Richard Strauss, Louis Armstrong and many more. Concertgebouw has over 900 events, which are 80% concerts, and over 700,000 visitors per year. The café inside attracts over 100,000 guests.

Today, it is considered one of the most visited concert halls in the world, where you can still take lessons and classes. It’s education program reaches over 30,000 children every year. They are extremely known for their wonderful Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra today, and appreciated worldwide for the opportunities they give. The hall has become an outlet for people, young and old, to appreciate music and culture in a new way.