CULTURAL CALENDAR AUTUMN 2007 MUSIC GAUDEAMUS MUSIC WEEK
3 September
Offering a carefully selected range of contemporary music. Various locations
MODEST MOUSE
5 September
From aggro indie rock to sunny pop songs, they can do it all, and with newest band member Johnny Marr, some extra-quality guitar can be expected, too.
HABIB KOITE
30 September
One of the most successful African musicians, Koite combines Mali’s traditional music with modern pop and blues elements. Melkweg, Oude Zaal
ASKO ENSEMBLE/ 2 October SCHÖNBERG ENSEMBLE/ NEDERLANDS KAMERKOOR Conducted by Reinbert de Leeuw and performing works by Boulez and Messiaen. Concertgebouw
11 November
Slobodan Trkulja’s melting pot of traditional Serbian music, modern jazz and fusion. Concertgebouw
GOGOL BORDELLO
13 November
The gypsy punk extravagants are out to promote their new album, self-described as ‘pure orgasmo hysteria’, so the show should be worth checking out. Melkweg,The Max
ENSEMBLE MAE
14 November
Tonight performing works from Robert Ashley’s entire oeuvre, including In Memoriam Esteban Gomez. Paradiso
Melkweg,The Max
THE NIGHT OF THE UNEXPECTED
METROPOLE
BEIRUT
6 September
Paradiso
KLAXONS
ADAM GREEN
Nu-rave and dayglo jumpsuits; they’ll be eating menthol rub and sucking dummies next.
16 November
This time, everybody’s freakfolk darling brings us an acoustic show, performed right in the middle of Paradiso’s Grote Zaal.
Paradiso
Paradiso, Grote Zaal
The first year for the two-day celebration of world music, with the focus this time on Lisbon.
PETE PHILLY & PERQUISITE
8 September
Mokum’s internationally successful B-Boy Wonders present their new record Mystery Repeats. Melkweg,The Max
JOSH RITTER
10 September
With his slow ballads and feel-good folky songs, the American singer-songwriter caters for the softer moments of life. At this show—one of only four European dates—Ritter will play new album The Historical Conquest. Melkweg, Oude Zaal
JOANNA NEWSOM
12 September
The Californian harpist and singer-songwriter has acquired a steady fanbase among folk freaks and indie rockers alike. Her second album, Ys, was released in 2006 to great critical acclaim. Paradiso, Grote Zaal
MONTEVERDI 15 September MADRIGALEN SERIES De Nederlandse Opera use four groundbreaking works from Monteverdi to celebrate 400 years of opera. Westergasfabriek
BAZAR CURIEUX
15 September
Motel Mozaïque’s little sister. Names confirmed so far: Opgezwolle, Joost van Bellen and DuvelDuvel. Maassilo, Rotterdam
Series with Gil Shaham conducting this time. Concertgebouw
THE EX & GETATCHEW 20 September MEKURIA AND GUESTS For their latest recording, Amsterdam’s old punk heroes have teamed up with the Ethiopian saxophone player Getatchew Mekuria. Paradiso, Grote Zaal
21 September
Leslie Feist, member of Broken Social Scene and vocalist for Kings of Convenience, cruises effortlessly through all genres on her solo albums, but it’s her brilliant voice that always stands out. Melkweg,The Max
THE DECEMBERISTS 22 September Storytelling folkpop songs on the highest level, which should provide for appropriate autumn melancholy. Paradiso, Grote Zaal
WILLEM BREUKER KOLLEKTIEF
23 September
DAVID SYLVIAN
2 October
The former Japan singer can look back on a considerable solo career, during which he has experimented with several styles, including jazz, ambient and prog rock. RAI
LE PEUPLE DE L’HERBE
7 October
This highly energetic bunch’s new album is entitled Radio Blood Money and is packed again with bouncy hiphop and drum & bass. Melkweg, Oude Zaal
CINEMATIC ORCHESTRA
7 October
A double bill, together with Zero 7’s instrumental project Ingrid Eto. Paradiso
DAG VAN DE KAMERMUZIEK
8 October
This night is part of the three-day Dutch Chamber Music Meeting, and simultaneously opens the new concert season. Muziekgebouw
THEO LOEVENDIE/ ENSEMBLE ZIGGURAT
12 October
Performing Loevendie’s own, new form of musical theatre, the ‘operina’.
BEATSTEAKS
CROWDED HOUSE ANI DIFRANCO
28 September
Festival around, about and with electric geeetars. Muziekgebouw
STARS
29 September
This Montreal-based band are Broken Social Scene affiliates, here to promote recent album In Our Bedroom after the War. Paradiso, Kleine Zaal
RAKIM
Concertgebouw
APOCALYPTA
7 December
The long-haired Finnish dudes play metal covers on four cellos and make it sound pretty good. Melkweg
ALSO COMING UP: Jonathan Richman, Melkweg, 27 September Biffy Clyro, Melkweg, 9 October Bad Brains, Paradiso, 11 October Bernie’s Lounge album release, Melkweg, 12 October Battles, Melkweg, 14 October Sonny Rollins, Concertgebouw, 26 October Editors, Paradiso, 30 October Bloc Party, Heineken Music Hall, 7 November Underworld, Heineken Music Hall, 9 November Arcade Fire, Heineken Music Hall, 13 November The Dillinger Escape Plan, Melkweg, 14 November The National, Melkweg, 28 November Orchestra Baobab, Paradiso, 28 November New Model Army, Melkweg, 21 December
20 October
Darkstep! With Skream, Digital Mystikz, Sgt Pokes, Plastician and DJ Gome. Paradiso
DJ TIËSTO
3 November
Mainstream, stadium-filling mega-house DJ.
Westergasfabriek
KNOWLEDGE & 12-28 September PERFORMING ARTS At this festival, three artists discuss ways in which scientific knowledge can be used as inspiration for performance art. After the debates, they will present their performances. Melkweg
12-28 September
The fourth annual design event, organised by Elle Wonen. Established brands as well as young talent will be present.
20 October
BERLINER SYMPHONIKER 22 October
AMY WINEHOUSE
22 October
Heineken Music Hall
COLD WAR KIDS
STEPPIN’ UP
21 September
DJs Tom Harding, Bas & Ram and The Invisible DJ spin hard dance, harder house and hardest electro. Melkweg,The Max
30 October
De Balie and various locations
Celebrating the famous dancer and choreographer’s 75th birthday, the festival’s extensive programme boasts more than 20 of the master’s choreographies, including a world premiere. Muziektheater
ROBODOCK
BARCELONA 1900
19-22 September
The multidisciplinary festival for arts and technology celebrates its 10th anniversary with the special theme ‘Rhythm, Time and Transformation’.
B-OOST FESTIVAL
21-23 September
Diverse performances and surprising new projects taking over Amsterdam’s eastern docklands. Various locations
PICNIC 07
26 September
Readings, workshops, masterclasses, presentations and more for professionals of media, technology, entertainment, art and science.
PIPS:LAB: DIESPACE
Frascati
OPENING NIGHT
2 October
Ivo van Hove and his top ensemble offer a look behind the red curtain in this take on a film by John Cassavetes. Stadsschouwburg
DRAWN ONWARD
Various locations
Muziektheater
4 October
The new production by choreographer duo Lightfoot León, to a score by John Adams.
ROMEO AND JULIET
13 October
Exactly 40 years after its world premiere, Het Nationale Ballet takes on Van Dantzig’s choreographic version of the ballet. Muziektheater
COVER: ANOUK VAN DIJK 18 October 13 October
1-4 November
Celebrating the love of leather-clad men. Various locations
STRADA
25 September
The multimedia funky bunch proudly present their newest production about an internet community for the deceased. What’s awaiting us after death? Hurrah! It’s Web 3.0!
Exploring exciting historical and new locations beneath the ground, taking music, film, dance, theatre and arts to one level below—literally.
30 September
17 November
A multimedia performance by young street artists, with dance, music, theatre, photography, film and art. Based on the Fellini film of the same name, it tells the story of the violent rapper Zamp, his girlfriend Gul and the beat-boxer Matto, who are victims of Zamp’s aggression. Westergasfabriek
Frascati’s new programme ‘Cover’ offers contemporary choreographers the chance to remake pieces of their idols. First up is Anouk van Dijk, who will present her version of a choreography by Hans van Manen, and Leine & Roebana. Frascati
AJAX
19 October
Sophocles’ tragedy about the altercations between Ajax and Odysseus and Athena’s typically momentous interferences. Directed by Theu Boermans. Stadsschouwburg
HOLLANDSE NIEUWE 25-27 October Tenth anniversary of the theatre festival for new plays and new talents, presented by Cosmic Theater and Made in da Shade. This year’s theme: family. Apart from all the new productions that are being showcased, there’ll be workshops, debates and several awards. Westergasfabriek
SECOND VISIT TO THE EMPRESS
FILM
7 November
BALLETGALA
AWAKENINGS DETROIT 28 September WEEKEND
AFRICA IN THE PICTURE
Raise your hands in the air for the sounds of the Motortown, with DJs Shindoe, Robert Bone and the legendary Jeff Mills.
Debates, music and films, films, films from the African continent.
Dance lovers had to wait for two years for a new edition of this ballet highlight, which presents both classic and contemporary choreography performed by international and Dutch companies.
JACQUES TATI
6 September
7-16 September
Rialto
Based on the 17th-century Chinese opera of the same name, the production by prominent choreographer and director Shen Wei features singing and live music. Muziektheater
13 November
Muziektheater
WOMEN OF THE WORLD
13 November
Westergasfabriek
Guess who’s back? The term ‘legend’ is no exaggeration when applied to this MC, whose new album The Seventh Seal is due in September. It ain’t no joke!
Having trademarked their band name, those old Cuban gentlemen make up for the loss of core band members (due to decrepitude) by teaming up with pop stars like Franz Ferdinand, Kaiser Chiefs, Maroon 5, Sting and, of course, Bono.
A special edition of Poptrash, with a Spectrum DJ set starring Isaac Tucker.
Aiming at representing Brazil’s side beyond samba, football and carnival, this festival goes into its second year.
The Beijing Modern Dance Company combine traditional Chinese dance with Western influences. This production is a collaboration with Anouk van Dijk.
Melkweg,The Max
Melkweg,The Max
Melkweg
Tropentheater
Stadsschouwburg
24 September
POPTRASH
CINEBRASIL 4 October
10 September
16 September
21 September
The Van Gogh Museum’s autumn exhibition sheds light on the astonishing transformation of the city in the years around 1900, and the flourishing artistic and social life of this period.
Melkweg
8 November
15 September
Various locations, Groningen
Melkweg,The Max
BUENA VISTA SOCIAL CLUB
BLACK OUT
Marnixstraat/Elandsgracht
Postmen, impressions sportives and the peculiarities of modern life: three times Tati with Soigne ton gauche, L’Ecole des facteurs and Cours du Soir.
Paradiso
ART One of the most versatile photo exhibitions around, Groningen’s Noorderlicht is based on, but not restricted to, documentary photography. This year’s theme: ‘Act of Faith’.
After we were sadly deprived of the great Appelsap @ Oosterpark open air this year, at least the regular party is gonna take place. No details known as yet, but it’s highly probable that you’ll be sipping your gin and juice to some excellent hiphop tunes.
The last version of this two-day festival sold out faster than ever before, and this year looks to be even more successful as the passepartouts have already gone, even though only two acts are confirmed so far: New Young Pony Club and The Rakes.
Paardenkathedraal’s take on Shakespeare’s funky tale of fauns, fairies, Athenean nobility and amateur actors who keep falling in and out of love with each other. Included in the Topstukken list.
Antwerp Artist Charif Benhelima’s new works are a result of his residence at Künstlerhaus Bethanien in Berlin: a series of experiments with polaroids.
APPELSAP
2/3 November
26 December
15-30 September
Melkweg,The Max
LONDON CALLING
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Stadsschouwburg
Tense and soulful indierock.
28 September
17 December
NOORDERLICHT
LEATHER PRIDE
Melkweg,The Max
TAR & FEATHERS
Bringin’ back the old days. The 31st edition of the festival has performances by the Rembrandt Duo, Henk van Mokum, the Zwaanenkoor, De Drie Kanjers and many, many more.
Stadsschouwburg
Joining hands with Traffic, Electronation, Crackhouse and others, Melkweg present their new progressive dance night. On the bill at this edition: Tony Rohr (Cocoon, New York), Deetron (Music Man, Bern), Mark Broom (Pure Plastic, London), Bart Skils (100% Pure, Amsterdam) and Lauhaus (Intacto, Amsterdam).
Muziekgebouw
JORDAAN FESTIVAL 15-16 September
The third Urban Myth season focuses on the theme of love, with the first instalment of the Expanding Theatre series declaring their love for our city.
7 September
An interesting concept featuring a collaboration between pianist/performer Mukaiyama and fashion designers Niels Klavers and Astrid Engelen, who designed a gigantic transforming dress for both musician and piano.
Brakke Grond
URBAN MYTH: I LOVE AMSTERDAM
KLINCH: TRAFFIC
TOMOKO MUKAIYAMA: 28 November SHOW ME YOUR SECOND FACE
Westergasfabriek
FIETSTOCHT LANGS HOFJES
CLUBS
Morbid power games in the salons and boudoirs of 18-century Paris, enacted by Het Nationale Toneel.
Muziektheater
TF-1 is a celebration of Dutch and Flemish theatre, presenting a selection of the 10 best productions of the current season, while TF-2, the Fringe Festival, showcases new talent.
HANS VAN MANEN FESTIVAL
25 November
For this work, Jirí Kylián was inspired by Samuel Beckett’s last poem, written on his deathbed. Six dancers move through a surreal world, accompanied by pianist Tomoko Mukaiyama’s Mozart improvisations.
TF-1/TF-2, 30 August-9 September FRINGE FESTIVAL
2-3 September
Festive opening of the new book season, with presentations, readings, interviews, films and more. The first day is open to the public.
AMSTERDAM 26-30 September UNDERGROUND FESTIVAL
18 October
New School of British Storytelling, but in a better mood and with housey beats.
19-23 December
Gay and lesbian films from around the world, plus a bit of a Dutch touch.
MANUSCRIPTA
Meeting point at Rapenburgerstraat
JUST JACK
Various locations
STAGE
Melkweg
Melkweg,The Max
The world’s largest documentary film festival celebrates its 20th anniversary with a number of special programmes and events, as well as touring the world and paying visits to affiliated festivals.
ROZE FILM DAGEN
LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES Stadsschouwburg
EVENTS
A bike tour along seven of the historical courtyards that are still hidden within the city centre, organised by the Volksuniversiteit.
A sweet female voice with a French accent singing ’80s New Wave and punk tracks over chilled-out electronica works especially well on ‘Too Drunk to Fuck’.
Westergasfabriek
De Balie and Filmhuis Cavia
Even if you’re not into girlish singer-songwriter indiepop, you should come over for support act Hamell on Trial. He’s great.
NOUVELLE VAGUE
14 October
Media festival for the little ones, with international films, TV programmes and the newest of new media.
IDFA
OI PRESENTS DUB ATTACK
Westergasfabriek
17 October
Great voice with slightly bland songs. But her alcoholic escapades gain her public sympathy and column inches.
OUTPUT FESTIVAL
Valery Gergiev conducts Mahler.
Carré
Series continues with Paavo Järvi conducting.
Paradiso, Grote Zaal
25 November
15/16 October
KONINKLIJK 26 September CONCERTGEBOUWORKEST
In Germany, these female-fronted indie poppers are huge stars. Now they’re preparing to take over the rest of Europe.
LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Various locations
INSIDE DESIGN
Straightforward, summery New Zealand pop.
Muziekgebouw
28 September
Paradiso, Grote Zaal
Melkweg, Oude Zaal
Renowned soloists Massimo Quarta and Derek Han play Beethoven and Paganini.
WIR SIND HELDEN
19 November
Will the D-I-S-C-O still get the audience so excited that they just can’t hide it? We don’t know but, although it doesn’t really rhyme, we think we like it.
Well-tempered and many-headed Berlin ska-punkrock ensemble, whose live shows are an experience that nobody should miss.
Bimhuis
Concertgebouw
POINTER SISTERS
13 October
Paradiso
Unique jazzy orchestra who grab elements of everything from chanson to classical.
17 November
Muziekgebouw
Muziekgebouw
KONINKLIJK 19 September CONCERTGEBOUWORKEST
FEIST
AMSTERDAM WORLD
Zillions of DJs, clubbers, club nights and performances—plus a serious-minded conference—at trillions of locations around town.
CINEKID
15 November
Paradiso
8 September
18-20 October
Heineken Music Hall
21-year-old Zach Condon is the newest MySpace hype, but his music—global mash-up electronica with Balkan influences—is actually really good.
The one-night festival for new developments in contemporary music offers exciting stuff ranging from experimental techno to new composers.
AMSTERDAM DANCE EVENT
Van Gogh Museum
MIKHAEL SUBOTZKY: 21 September BEAUFORT WEST The young photographer’s subtle documentation of Beaufort West, a small South African Town that is dominated by a giant prison situated right at its centre. Foam
VERBORGEN VROUWEN
29 September
Recently, a list with 20 names was found in the attic church Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder. They were the names of 17th-century women who had chosen to become ‘spiritual virgins’ and devote their lives to the church. A number of female artists present their reflections on the lives of the women. Museum Ons’ Lieve Heer op Solder
DE SPIN ANANSI
5 October
The smart spider Anansi is one of the most popular fable characters of West Africa, Suriname and the Antilles. For this exhibition, nine Ghanian and five Dutch artists were invited to present their visions on the numerous Anansi stories. Tropenmuseum
KUNSTSTAD
11 October
Opening celebration of the Art City, where more than 200 artists will find a special home on NDSMwerf. NDSM werf
ANDY WARHOL: 12 October OTHER VOICES, OTHER ROOMS This major exhibition on Warhol aims at creating an extensive overview of his works and uncovering the ‘conceptual soul’ of Warhol’s art. Stedelijk Museum
MODERNE 19 October MEESTERWERKEN UIT MOSKOU A unique collection of Russian-Jewish artists from the period of 1910-1940 that illustrates the rise of artists like Lissitzky and Brodsky in the first years of the Soviet Union—and their demise under Stalin. Joods Historisch Museum
RYAN MCGINLEY: CELEBRATING LIFE
2 November
Hailed as one of today’s most promising young photographers, McGinley has already exhibited at MOMA and the Whitney Museum of American Art, but this is his first show in the Netherlands. For Celebrating Life, he photographed a group of his friends on a road trip through America. FOAM
AFFORDABLE ART FAIR 8 November A fair that tours the world offering everyone the chance to buy artworks for less than €5000. Westergasfabriek
Compiled by Sarah Gehrke Photos by sanstitre.ch in collaboration with Céline Wouters, Selina Bütler & Bart Julius Peters