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Pianoduo Festival Amsterdam

Old Roots / New Roots
classicaljazzkidscompetition
8 t/m 11 october
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Programme & Tickets

CHECK OUT the programme for the 14th Pianoduo Festival AMSTERDAM!

* All our concerts have unreserved seating. * Doors open 30 minutes before the start. * All our concerts are wheelchair accessible. * It is not possible to obtain a refund for tickets that have already been purchased. * Tip: Buy a Supporter Ticket and support the festival!

8 October 2026

11:00 - 17:00Young for Old concerts

With the Young for Old concerts, the Pianoduo Festival Amsterdam brings live music to audiences who are no longer able to visit the festival themselves. During three concerts in residential care homes, Duo Rosa & Glukhovskiy, participants in the Pianoduo Festival Academy, present an accessible programme featuring music by Carl Maria von Weber, Francis Poulenc and Darius Milhaud. The Young for Old concerts are private concerts.

9 October 2026

13:00 - 14:00Lunch Concert: Duo Rosa & Glukhovskiy

For this lunchtime concert, Duo Rosa & Glukhovskiy presents a compelling programme exploring the rich and diverse sound world of the 20th century. The recital opens with Schoenberg's Five Orchestral Pieces in Anton Webern's ingenious arrangement for two pianos, revealing remarkable orchestral colours through the keyboard. The programme continues with a selection from Schnittke's witty and theatrical Gogol Suite, followed by the shimmering sonic textures of Dutilleux's Figures de résonance and the relentless rhythmic drive of Frederic Rzewski's A Machine. The concert concludes with Shostakovich's sparkling Concertino, a beloved work that combines brilliance, wit and irresistible energy. Including vegetarian lunch!

20:15 - 21:45Opening Concert: Old Roots / New Roots

In this Opening Concert, Pianoduo Scholtes & Janssens brings the festival theme Old Roots / New Roots to life. The chorales of Johann Sebastian Bach represent the programme's Old Roots: timeless music that forms the foundation of the Western classical tradition and has inspired generations of composers. In contrast, the New Roots are represented by works of Philip Glass, Steve Reich and Arvo Pärt—composers who, each in their own way, have built upon Bach's legacy while developing a new, almost minimalist musical language. The world premiere of Pentacle by Mattias Spee, winner of the Pianoduo Festival Composition Competition, demonstrates how new music continues to grow from centuries-old roots.

10 October 2026

11:00 - 11:50Coffee Concert: Duo Morgan/Van Nee

With their curious approach to the piano duo repertoire, Morgan/Van Nee have quickly established themselves as one of the most promising young piano duos of today. In this Coffee Concert, Katie Yao Morgan and Jorian van Nee combine works by composers including Rachmaninoff with original compositions by Jorian van Nee, creating a programme in which tradition and innovation naturally complement one another. Known for their fresh interpretations, adventurous repertoire and distinctive artistic voice, the duo offers an inspiring start to your weekend. Free admission for children and students.

13:00 - 14:00Open DuoPodium

During the Open Duo Stage, amateur piano duos of all ages and experience levels take to the festival's main stage to share their love of the piano duo repertoire with the audience. From young talents to experienced four-hand players, each duo brings its own musical story and enthusiasm. Come and discover new talent, cheer on the performers and enjoy this inspiring celebration of piano duo music. Admission is free.

16:00 - 17:00Afternoon Concert: The PianoSalon

Step into the world of the nineteenth-century musical salon. In The Piano Salon, internationally acclaimed duo Sivan Silver & Gil Garburg present an intimate programme that combines Schubert's beloved four-hand music with surprising works from the contemporary piano duo repertoire. Alongside Schubert's sparkling Marchesand Trios, contemporary miniatures by none other than Itamar Garburg, the son of the duo, reveal how the piano duo tradition continues to evolve. Between the performances, Silver & Garburg share personal stories and musical insights, bringing the music even closer to the audience. A unique musical encounter in the intimate setting of the Concertgemaal!

20:30 - 21:45Sven Figee, Peter Beets & The New Jazz Orchestra

Back to Bach! In this concert, the worlds of Bach and jazz come together. Peter Beets, Sven Figee and the New Jazz Orchestra explore how the music of Johann Sebastian Bach continues to inspire new musical ideas and fresh artistic voices. Featuring jazz reimaginings of Bach, original compositions and improvisation, the programme blurs the boundaries between classical music and jazz. Renowned for his virtuosic interpretations of classical masterpieces, Peter Beets joins forces with the energetic and inventive Sven Figee and the New Jazz Orchestra for a vibrant performance full of swing, interaction and musical freedom.

11 October 2026

11:00 - 12:00Family Concert: The Nutcracker (7+)

Experience The Nutcracker in a unique and imaginative way. Pianoduo Scholtes & Janssens, narrator Jantine van den Bosch and sand artist Henrike van Engelenburg join forces in a captivating performance where music, storytelling and live sand art come together.

14:00 - 14:45Community Concert: Duo Van Houten & Zulfiqar

Meet the winners of the 2025 Pianoduo Festival Competition! In this free neighbourhood concert, Joost-Jan van Houten & Alim Zulfiqar, first-prize winners of the Pianoduo Festival Competition, showcase the exceptional musicianship, dedication and ensemble playing that earned them top honours. After the concert, you're warmly invited to join the musicians for a meet-and-greet over coffee and tea. Admission is free, and voluntary donations are greatly appreciated.

15:00 - 15:35Lecture: The World Behind the Goldberg Variations

Why are Bach's Goldberg Variations still regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces in music history? In this engaging pre-concert talk, Bach specialist and broadcaster Sander Zwiep explores the remarkable world behind this iconic work. At the piano, he reveals how Bach transformed a single aria into an extraordinary musical universe — and why the Goldberg Variations continue to inspire performers and audiences alike. Free admission for students!

16:00 - 17:15High Tea Concert: Goldberg Variations

Bach's Goldberg Variations stand among the greatest masterpieces in music history and embody the festival's Old Roots. The acclaimed Italian Duo Monti-Bianco performs this iconic work in Josef Gabriel Rheinberger's rarely heard arrangement for two pianos. With its subtle additional voices and expanded sonorities, Rheinberger's Romantic reimagining sheds new light on Bach's masterpiece while remaining faithful to the brilliance of the original. Before and after the concert, guests are invited to enjoy an elegant afternoon high tea in the beautiful setting of De Duif.

20:00 - 21:30Final Concert: Silver-Garburg Pianoduo

Following their acclaimed previous appearance, the world-renowned Silver-Garburg Piano Duo returns to the Pianoduo Festival Amsterdam for the festival's grand finale. Their all-Schubert programme pays tribute to one of the great Old Roots of the piano duo repertoire. As one of the genre's true pioneers, Franz Schubert laid the foundations for a tradition that continues to inspire performers and composers today. The programme features rarely heard masterpieces, including the monumental Grand Duo in C major, the brilliant Rondo in D major and the elegant Variations on a French Song. A magnificent conclusion to the 14th edition of the Pianoduo Festival Amsterdam!