Opening Night at Nelson Mandelapark - 13 September

Dear resident of Amsterdam-Zuidoost or business owner,

On Friday 13 September, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra will give a free open-air concert in Nelson Mandela Park. This festive concert is simply called ‘Opening Night’, since it opens the new cultural season. Everyone is welcome!

We’re proud to be playing in Zuidoost this year. We’re even putting together a second programme before the main concert with talented local musicians, and of course, there will be great food and drink available. 

Programme for Friday 13 September

  • 4:00-6:00 p.m. – Open Stage (registration for performers is closed) 
  • 7:00-7:30 p.m. – Short concert by young musicians from the Leerorkest and Concertgebouworkest Young 
  • 8:15-9:35 p.m. – Free concert by the Concertgebouw Orchestra with special guest sor 

This letter provides more information about this event and how it may affect you and other area residents.  

Stage set-up, break-down and rehearsals

  • The stage will be built across from the Nelson Mandela Memorial on the large grassy field in Nelson Mandela Park. 
  • Set-up will begin on 5 September and the break-down will end on 18 September 2024. 
  • Working hours during the set-up and break-down days will be 8:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. 
  • The rehearsals will take place on Thursday 12 September from 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. and from 3:00-10:00 p.m.  
  • The public is welcome from 3:00 p.m. on the day of the concert, Friday 13 September. 
  • There are a limited number of picnic benches available, but there is plenty of room on the grass. Bring a blanket, and celebrate the opening of the new season with us! 
  • There is seating available for people with impaired mobility. The rest of the public area is on the grass – please note the ground may not be level.  

Accessibility of the park 

During the set-up the stage and technical equipment will be fenced off, but the bike paths will remain open. 

Parking 

Since parking space is limited, we request that everyone come by foot, bike or public transport. There are no extra parking facilities around the concert site. It is also preferable not to park in the surrounding neighbourhoods. If you must come by car, you can park in Q-park  P22, P23 and P24. Follow the signs to one of these car parks.

Amplification

We will be playing classical music. It often does not need amplification in a concert hall, but this open-air concert will be amplified so that everyone in the park can enjoy the music. 

Waste

The organisation will provide enough trash bins, in the park as well as on the paths. After the concert we will clean up the area throroughly. 

Television

The Opening Night concert will be recorded for television broadcast on Saturday 14 September at 10:30 pm on NPO 2. 

Contact 

We are doing our utmost to ensure that the event (including set-up and break-down) runs smoothly. If you are experiencing any inconvenience, please contact the City of Amsterdam on the municipal telephone number 14020 (weekdays 8:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.), or file a report (form in Dutch) through the city’s website: https://meldingen.amsterdam.nl/incident/beschrijf. 
 
If you have questions about the concert, please contact the Concertgebouw Orchestra’s customer service department, either by email to klantenservice@concertgebouworkest.nl or by telephone (020) 305 1015 (Mon-Fri 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.). Or search the FAQ on our website.    
 
We’re looking forward to seeing you on 13 September!

Kind regards, 

Wietske Kuiper 
Head of Marketing, Comminication and Sales
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra