MAG Utrecht #27: March & April 2021 by magutrecht

MARCH & APRIL 2021

Urban legends, music & takeaways YOUR GUIDE TO THE CITY’S HOTSPOTS AND ITS CULTURAL EVENTS

Shop local

Utrecht’s online shop offering typical Utrecht souvenirs, unique gifts by local makers, route maps and information

utrecht-shop.com

Scan me

24/7 CULTURAL INSPIRATION FROM UTRECHT

Find & follow us online FACEBOOK.COM/MAGUTRECHT INSTAGRAM.COM/MAGUTRECHT

MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

Photography Juri Hiensch

Welcome to Utrecht We’ve left the cold and snowy months behind us and are probably all longing for to the first warm rays of pale spring sunshine. Of course, the big question is if we will be able to enjoy a theatre performance, a live concert or a movie night. Let’s hope so! If not, listening to home-grown Utrecht music on Spotify is a great alternative. From indie-surf and psychedelic rock to experimental hip hop and folk: Utrecht artists cater to everyone’s tastes. Even if the restrictive measures are still in place, there’s plenty to explore. Walk past the houses of horror mentioned in the article about city legends, or look up to the often impressive façades of the so-called city castles. Another idea is to hop on your bike and cycle past the highlights of the Dutch Waterlines with its sprawling green landscapes full of forts and bunkers. And we’ve also listed ten spots in different neighbourhoods for a takeaway – from Korean soul food to a classic burger.

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

Find it on the map See page

10 14

What’s happening Things to do & places to go Spotlight Houses of horror The local’s favourites Q&A with Roel Maalderink

Stand-up comedy, art, theatre & more Utrecht International Comedy Festival 18 Music Home-grown Utrecht music 22 Theatre Manic musical theatre 24 Exhibitions & Museums Voices of Fashion 28 Exhibitions & Museums Arty afternoon walk

CULTURE

Contents

42 Eat & drink 10x takeaway

MAP

For up-to-date information

CALENDAR

48 The new locals Julie Davy-Adjei from France 50 Throwback Spring sunshine 52 Cultural Events Calendar 63 Practicalities 64 Map 66 Check out online 67 Next time Daen’s Greenhouse

EAT & DRINK

34 The Dutch Water Lines 4 tips for cycle routes 38 Explore The city castles of Utrecht

EXPLORE

30 Shopping 5x urban jungle

SHOPPING

MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

What’s happening? THINGS TO DO & PLACES TO GO

March & April

ONLINE EXPERIMENTS

Museum@home

OPEN-AIR ART

Gigantic word search puzzle

On the side wall of a house on Graafschap in the Lunetten district, you’ll see a huge word search puzzle. The mural was made by JanIsDeMan, the artist responsible for numerous other murals in Utrecht, including the now world-famous bookcase adorning a wall on the corner of Amsterdamsestraatweg and Mimosastraat. The words used in this word search puzzle come from stories told by local residents. They refer to special places in the neighbourhood, anti-squat buildings, community parties and fox hunts. You can read the stories (in Dutch) on muurschilderinglunetten.nl. > on the side wall of Graafschap 47

The Utrecht University Museum is currently being renovated. So now that experiments inside the museum are impossible, the museum has put the instructions for all kinds of tests and experiments online so that you can do them at home. You can learn how to create the smell of swimming pool water, for example, examine microplastics or find out how to float something that would normally sink. The instructions are in Dutch, so you will need to do some translating before getting stuck in. > Museum Online by Utrecht University Museum umu.nl/museum-online

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

MUST DO

Street poetry walk

From a poem on a manhole cover to verses written on walls in narrow alleyways: in Utrecht, street poetry is everywhere you look. The free street poetry app VERS will take you on a ninety-minute walk around the best poetry shared in public spaces over the past decades. Every time you stop to read a poem, you hear more about the poet, the poem, the location and the context of the poem. Download the Dutch and English version of the app in de App Store or via Google Play.

Photography Robert Ramkema, Ivar Pel, Akkie Joosse, Hans Veth/Unsplash, Sara Bakhshi/Unsplash

> start the route on Domplein

MUST SEE

Botanical Gardens

Once the COVID restrictions allow it, you should definitely plan an escape to the green oasis of the Botanical Gardens in Utrecht Science Park. Planted around the 19th-century Fort Hoofddijk, this is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Netherlands. As well as checking out some rare trees, flowers and plants, from early April onwards you can go into the greenhouses and marvel at beautiful tropical butterflies. And it might not even be a major issue if the COVID restrictions meant that only a few people could go into the greenhouses at once.... > daily, Budapestlaan 17 uu.nl/en/utrecht-botanic-gardens

MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

What’s happening? DISCOVER THE REGION

Spot the woodpecker

LECTURE

How our environment affects our health

Although we are living longer than ever before, are we necessarily healthier? This is the question that epidemiologist Virissa Lenters (Utrecht University) is trying to answer by decoding the exposome. This relatively new concept aims to explain all the things that people are exposed to in their lives, from cradle to grave. It includes the food that we eat, the air we breathe, the objects we touch and the psychological stress that we feel throughout our lives. How do all these factors affect our genetics? This interesting lecture from the Philosophy of Science course will be given in English and is accessible to non-students. > 24 March, Utrecht University Hall sg.uu.nl/agenda/2021

Woodpeckers stay close to their breeding grounds all year round. The only time that they expand their action radius is in the winter when they venture into the woods to search for food. If you’re lucky, you might spot one in the trees on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug. Staatsbosbeheer has set out a fun Woodpecker Path (Spechtenpad) in De Vuursche forest. The path is three kilometres long, so it’s perfect for kids. You can get a route map at the starting point close to Baarn: on the N415, turn off at the junction of Hilversumsestraatweg/ Hoge Vuurscheweg and take the parallel road. There’s a car park three hundred metres down this road. > Boswachterij De Vuursche, between Baarn and Hilversum Staatsbosbeheer.nl

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

MADE IN UTRECHT

Siepdesign

March & April

LOCAL FAVOURITE

Dagger Coffee

It used to be a bit of a bike ride away (Europalaan to be precise), but luckily for us, things have changed for the better: Dagger Coffee now has a branch in the centre of town. Owner Dagmar Geerlings decided to open a new coffee shop in a gorgeous, historic building in Zijdebalen, right in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. Drop in for coffee-to-go, cakes and lunch. > Zijdenbalenstraat 2 daggercoffee.nl

By Manon Marijs All of the baby stuff in the Siepdesign webstore was designed and hand-made by Siep, AKA Simone Teekens. She started Siepdesign ten years ago, when she was expecting her son and her then-employer didn’t renew her contract. ‘I had plenty of time to decorate the nursery, so I made a lot of the things myself. I then came up with the idea of selling my designs online’. Items in the webstore include rattles, swaddling clothes, blankets, cuddly toys and teething rings. There’s also an Utrecht City series: blankets, T-shirts and rattles featuring the Dom Tower. Simone uses fabrics made from 100% cotton, which are lovely and soft for sensitive baby skin. > Siepdesign products are on sale at Sproetjes en Sprietjes (Lijnmarkt), Groeten uit Utrecht (Zadelstraat) and online siepdesign.nl

MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

SPOTLIGHT

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

Home-

grown

horror

WHISPERING, WAILING, STRANGE KNOCKING AND DOORS THAT OPEN AND CLOSE ON THEIR OWN. EVEN UTRECHT HAS HOUSES OF HORROR. WE’VE FOUND SOME OF THE MOST EXCITING CITY LEGENDS FOR YOU; PAST AND PRESENT! By Nynke van Spiegel

Photography Xxxxxxxx

ccording to storyteller Bart de Wit, the gothic churches and Romanesque monasteries in the city centre form the perfect backdrop for passing on folklore with spooky undertones. He doesn’t actually believe in ghosts, but he likes to tell a ghost story or two during the Ghost Walks he hosts in the historic centre of Utrecht. The tale of the Wittebroodskind, for example, otherwise known as the ghost of the former Maria Church. This church was built in the eleventh century on the site of the Pandhof 1 , behind Mariaplaats, on the instructions of Bishop Koenraad.

‘The building had developed a tricky problem: it was subsiding’, says Bart. ‘The architect, a man named Pleberus, had a solution that he guaranteed would work. But it was a secret and very expensive. The Bishop obviously wanted more details. He bribed the baker on Oudegracht, which was where Pleberus’ daughter bought their bread. The baker got the secret out of the child; the clue was to wrap the pillars in ox hide. Koenraad decided to stop paying Pleberus, and the architect was so incensed that he beat his daughter to death with a white loaf. She has been known as the Wittebroodskind

MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

SPOTLIGHT

(the white loaf child) ever since. One of the pillars in the original Maria Church had a hole in it, where it is said that you could hear the child wailing and crying.’ There’s a painting of the central nave and choir of the Maria Church, painted by J.P. Saenredam in 1641, hanging in the Rijksmuseum. In the foreground on the left, you see two women dressed in blue next to a pillar. You can also see the image of an ox – possibly a reference to Pleberus’ ox hides? This just happens to be the spot where the ghost of the girl can be heard. Even now, 379 years later, the Wittebroodskind is still restless. The Maria Church has long gone, but they say that you can still hear her sighing in the cloisters of the Pandhof.

CREAKING FLOORBOARDS

Another source of ghost stories is Paushuize 2 (papal residence) on Kromme Nieuwegracht. This monumental building was built in the sixteenth century by Adriaan Floriszoon Boeyens, who later became the Netherlands’ first and only Pope (Adrian VI). He never actually lived there. In the late eighteenth century, Paushuize was converted into lodgings. Hortense, the wife of King Louis Napoleon Bonaparte, sometimes slept there during her travels – there’s even a room named after her. She apparently enjoyed staying there so much that she wanted her soul to stay there after her death. Stairs in a basement of the building lead to a blind wall. It is said that the ghost of Hortense resides behind this wall and occasionally comes out to haunt the building. This is accompanied by mysterious noises such as creaking floorboards, clattering doors and whispering. But in 2013,

xxxxxx

IT IS SAID THAT YOU CAN STILL HEAR A GIRL SIGHING IN THE CLOISTERS OF THE PANDHOF

a group of ghosthunters was commissioned by the Utrecht School of Journalism to investigate Paushuize. They concluded that more than one spirit roamed Paushuize, after seeing and photographing the ghost of an 18-month-old child and detecting a woman who had committed suicide there. They also felt fear in spots where people had been beheaded, for example.

FROM THE OTHER SIDE

Not all of the eery local legends originate from the past. Some of them are more modern, and are set in ordinary houses and flats. Like the tale of the séance held on Ivoordreef in Overvecht, where Ms Van der Stroet and five members of her family

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

xxxxxx

Find it on the map

Photography Het Utrechts Archief

See page 64

took turns with an upturned glass. It was October 1987, summoning the spirits was ‘in’. People used letter cards placed in a circle so that the spirit could spell out words using an upturned glass. Words from the other side, obviously. In the case of Ms Van der Stroet, this got completely out of hand. She was interviewed by De Limburger newspaper about her experience: ‘The doors in the house started opening and closing. The toilet door locked itself. Alarm clocks fell onto the floor in the children’s bedrooms. When we picked them up, they just fell off again. Plants fell from the walls. It was terrifying. And then a ghost turned up. One of us had spelled the word ‘death’ with the letters, and this really pushed the ghost’s buttons. He called out that he would murder her, over and over again.’ The family called the police, some officers came round to check but didn’t know what to do. They eventually found a medium to drive out the spirit.

EXORCISING JINNI

In Kanaleneiland, there’s a house which local residents say has been haunted for years. A few years ago, it was a hot topic on the Marokko Community online forum. The terraced house on Aziëlaan was bought by a man who very quickly sold it again for no apparent reason. It was purchased by a housing corporation, but tenants never stayed there for long. It’s said that some tenants woke up to find a fully prepared breakfast waiting for them downstairs, things broke spontaneously, and lights went on and off while no-one was at home. A group of lads that tried to break in panicked and ran away. Even the imams who tried to exorcise the Jinni (supernatural creatures from Arabian culture) fled the house screaming in sheer terror. Unfortunately, the story ends here so we don’t know the present status of the house or its tenants. But it’s definitely one of many juicy urban legends that make this city so exciting.

MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

THE LOCAL’S FAVOURITES

Q&A Louis Hartlooper Complex

WITH ROEL MAALDERINK By Merel van ‘t Hooft

Amelisweerd

Oud Amelisweerd

He was proclaimed Media Talent of 2021 by de Volkskrant, and is famous for his disarming interview style in his Voxpop videos; street interviews in which everyday people voice their (seemingly expert) opinion on an array of topics, often resulting in subtle or not-so-subtle satire. He also hosts a podcast with satirical news site De Speld and presents the AD Liveshow. Roel Maalderink is going places, and not just metaphorically. His media work resulted in him trading his hometown of Utrecht for Amsterdam, though he returns to our city gladly and often. ‘I’m pretty sure I’ll eventually end up in Utrecht again, because the city just has a special vibe’, he confesses. Until then, however, he is happy to share some of his favourite hidden and lesser hidden gems in the city he grew up in.

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

All in one pool

Utrecht Science Park

Comics

Millions of cyclists

‘As a kid, I used to go to comic book store Piet Snot all the time, but sadly its glory days are over now. However, Blunder (Oudegracht 203) is a good second. Although I stopped collecting comics ten years ago, I still like to pop by and have a browse whenever I’m around. I just love the atmosphere and know the owner quite well by now.’

‘The cycling path that runs from the central station via the inner city to the Utrecht Science Park, passing the University College campus where I studied, always makes me feel like I’m home. I used to bike those streets ten years ago, and probably will again ten years from now. I also believe it’s one of the busiest cycling routes in the Netherlands.’

Personal touch ‘This might be an obvious choice for watching movies, but I think the Louis Hartlooper Complex (Tolsteegbrug 1) is one of the few cinemas in the country that still has an ‘explicateur’: someone who introduces and explains the film beforehand. It’s a remnant from the old days that adds a personal touch, and I always feel like it creates a sort of bond between the people in the audience.’

Gorgeous ‘Amelisweerd is another well-known spot, but to me it’s one of the most beautiful areas in the country. I used to go running here quite often. The forest, the water, the pancake house... I sincerely hope the plans to expand the A27 highway will not be executed, and this gorgeous area will stay intact for everyone to enjoy.’

Photography Juri Hiensch, Stephani Versteeg, Hetty van Oijen, Ramon Mosterd

‘De Kwakel is a great swimming pool in Overvecht. I used to go there twice a week. One of my favourite things about this pool is the variety of people that frequent it. I remember seeing a group of frat guys, a class for pregnant women and a bunch of school kids in one pool once. I think that’s pretty unique.’

MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

JOKERS

UTRECHT INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL For anyone who could do with a laugh: the biggest comedy festival in the Benelux is going ahead this year, but online. Every weekend until 17 March, the world wide web will be home to stand-up comedians from home and abroad. English performances include a show on 13 March by Ever Mainard, a non-binary, award winning actor, writer, and comedian from the US. On 12 March, you can watch bad Dutch movies with good comedians. And on 1 April the UICF celebrates 20 years of same-sex marriage with a LGBTQ+ line-up. > until 17 March, online utrechtinternationalcomedy festival.nl

Ever Mainard

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

CULTURE

Stand-up comedy, art, theatre & more LET’S HOPE WE WILL BE ABLE TO VISIT A MUSEUM OR GALLERY, ENJOY A LIVE GIG OR GO TO A THEATRE IN MARCH AND APRIL. WE’VE LINED UP SOME HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE COMING MONTHS.

MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

Home-grown music WE ALL LONG FOR LIVE GIGS IN TIVOLIVREDENBURG, EKKO, DB’S, DE NIJVERHEID - OR WHEREVER. UNTIL THAT FINALLY HAPPENS, LISTENING TO HOME-GROWN UTRECHT MUSIC ON SPOTIFY IS A GREAT ALTERNATIVE. HERE ARE A FEW TIPS!

SURFING

TESSEL

It would be difficult not to feel happy listening to the indie-surf sound of TESSEL with its echoing guitars, melodious bass line and groovy drum beat. But don’t be fooled: the lyrics are much more melancholic than the sound. The good news is that TESSEL signed a record deal with PIAS earlier this year, and released a single called Family Time. They’re currently working on a debut album, so we’ll certainly be hearing more from them soon!

Music

tesselband.nl

SEVENTIES POP

ROBIN KESTER Picture the scene: a studio in an empty building that used to be a psychiatric hospital, where Robin Kester and her producer Marien Dorleijn (Moss) are experimenting with retro guitars, vintage synthesizers and an antique vibraphonette to create a dreamy, sultry sound, inspired by 1970s pop, and with lyrics describing the sinister, elusive side of life. Kester’s minialbum This Is Not A Democracy was released last year, and her first full album is expected in 2021.

showcase.fm/robinkester

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

FOLK MAGIC

I AM OAK

CULTURE

The band that backs the Utrecht singer-songwriter Thijs Kuijken combines folk, indie and Americana with raw guitar sounds. Their calming songs are great in a concert hall, but sound just as good in a more intimate setting (i.e. at home). Their latest album was released last December: Odd Seeds features new interpretations of old numbers Kuijken recorded in spring 2020, making it a musical ode to the strange COVID-19 era. iamoak.com

EXPERIMENTAL HIP HOP MELANCHOLIC DREAM POP

AMBER ARCADES

The dreamy, melancholic indie pop produced by singersongwriter Annelotte de Graaf, a.k.a. Amber Arcades, is a no-brainer for this list. After spending some time writing and recording solo numbers, she left for New York in 2015 to work on her debut album Fading Lines with producer Ben Greenberg. This was followed by the EP Cannonball (2017) and a second album entitled European Heartbreak (2018).

Photography Jantina Talsma, Lisa Brammer, Maaike Kuiper, Nick Helderman

showcase.fm/amberarcades

PAX THE HUMANOID

Hein Mees Bal, a.k.a. PAX, started his musical career while studying and joined The Kyteman Orchestra in 2007. His solo album PAX The Humanoid was released in 2020, for which he drew inspiration from the ups and downs of his own life. Besides making music, PAX also teaches aspiring musicians. As for his music: you could best describe it as experimental hip hop that’s definitely worth listening to. paxthehumanoid.com

20 MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

Music

NOISE

COMBO QAZAM The four early-millennials who form the band Combo Qazam were born into an analogue world, which gradually became increasingly digital. You hear this dichotomy in their music: the harmonious melodies and contemplative, spacey vocals are combined with subtle hints of post-punk, math rock, kraut and noise. The debut album Flight Music was released in May last year. Let’s hope that we can soon hear it live!

CONTEMPLATIVE, SPACEY VOCALS ARE COMBINED WITH SUBTLE HINTS OF KRAUT AND NOISE

comboqazam.com

INDIE FOLK WITH A TOUCH OF COUNTRY Hearing the groovy Americana songs of singer-songwriter Judy Blank, it’s hard to believe that she’s from Utrecht. Much of Blank’s indie folksongs were inspired by her travels through the United States, where she performed in intimate settings at open-mic nights in the bars of Louisiana. She soon became the talk of the town. In 2018, Blank released her debut album Morning Sun, and in 2020, two more EPs: Morning After, in which Blank opts for more guitar and more country, and Morning Tapes, featuring lo-fi bedroom recordings of favourites from Morning Sun and Morning After. judyblank.com

Photography Maxime Scharrenberg, Satellite June, Mirel Masic

JUDY BLANK

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

SOUTHERN SOUND

LAYERED INDIE ROCK

LITZBERG

This psychedelic rock trio officially come from Limburg, but we’ve added them to the list because they’ve had their own studio in an Utrecht wharf cellar for years. This February saw the official release of their latest album Wolffpack. The event was livestreamed free of charge from TivoliVredenburg. DeWolff normally make regular appearances at festivals around the world, but their typical ‘Southern sound’ is perfect in your living room too. dewolff.nu

Musician/songwriter Mathijs Peeters is originally from Limburg - Litzberg is a reference to the Litsberg, a place in the Leudal, an area of natural beauty close to the village where Peeters spent his formative years. He’s lived in Utrecht for some time now, and you might know his name from his guitar work he did for the roots rock bands The Gasoline Brothers and Sandusky, or as frontman for his own project Reiger. His 2019 debut album In_ My_Head features captivating, layered indie rock with a hint of blues and Americana. Litzbergmusic.nl

PUMPING ENERGY

TUSKY

‘‘Foo Fighters and Offspring got married, then divorced, and now their angry child Tusky is asking for attention, well actually, demanding attention!’’, is how these Utrecht-based punkers describe themselves on their site. It turns out to be a perfect description of Tusky’s sound: packed with pumping energy, and is at its absolute best when you hear them live - preferably in their ‘home base’ dB’s. tusky.nl

CULTURE

DEWOLFF

22 MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

A DIFFERENT UNIVERSE

CONTINUUM

The theatrical installation Continuum, created by multidisciplinary maker Johannes Bellinkx, composer Dennis van Tilburg and theatre-maker Tamar Blom, casts doubt on our fixed ideas about reality. As soon as you walk in, you leave your trusted reality behind and travel into another dimension. A white screen and a combination of elements from cinema, dance, composition, performance and light art are enough to blur the lines between what you see, hear and feel. The experience challenges you to let go of your existing reference frameworks and make room for new perspectives. Perhaps this is exactly what we need at the moment? > 22 to 24 April, Het Huis Utrecht hethuisutrecht.nl theaterkikker.nl

TWO WORLDS

QANDY VS. JOHN

> 27 and 28 March, Het Huis Utrecht hethuisutrecht.nl theaterkikker.nl

MACHINE LEARNING

ANTIBODIES

In recent decades, and particularly during the past year, we are spending more and more time online. This virtual space is regulated by self-learning machines, which use human interaction to improve themselves. We are so intertwined with our technology, that we are no longer sure whether man makes the machine, or the machine makes man. This farreaching technological progress is creating a reality in which our choices are predictable, and our actions computerised. Performance-duo Boogaerdt/VanderSchoot examines the role of the human body in this frictionless world of data. How can we regain our freedom? > 10 to 12 April, Theater Kikker theaterkikker.nl

Photography Wikke van Houwelingen, Knelis, Studio Ski

As part of her degree at HKU University of the Arts, theatremaker Quiah Shilue devised a character named John, a latemiddle-aged, charming gentleman, who always speaks his mind. For her graduation performance, Quiah wrote and performed her solo Qandy: a lewd, honestas-they-come rap queen with a mouth as big as Rihanna’s forehead. In Qandy vs. John, she brings the two characters face-to-face. The performance is in English.

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

SYZYGY

Our body is the most powerful, and yet the most vulnerable, thing that we possess. We are all, to some extent, concerned about our bodies. How do culture and media affect our self-image? And how far can we manipulate reality? In this performance, four female performers take us on a voyage through reality and fantasy, consistently returning to the ultimate question: can you see things differently? > 7 April, Podium Hoge Woerd podiumhogewoerd.nl

CULTURE

Theatre

MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

Travel

by rail

Exhibitions & Museums

PUBLICIST AND COLLECTOR ARJAN DEN BOER HAS A THING ABOUT RAILWAY POSTERS. LUCKILY FOR US, IT MEANT THAT HE COULD COMPILE THIS EXHIBITION FOR THE RAILWAY MUSEUM (SPOORWEGMUSEUM). THE EXHIBITION SHOWS HOW IMAGES WERE SUPPOSED TO SEDUCE US INTO TRAVELLING BY RAIL. By Arjan den Boer

osters are ordinary as well as artistic, both artful and commercial, providing a bread image of the times in which they were produced. That’s why I started collecting railway posters. As a train lover, I can also indulge my interest in art and design. I now have hundreds of them, varying from 19th-century lithographs to recent photo posters. I started exploring the background to my latest acquisitions. The designers, for example, some of them famous, but long-forgotten. I wrote about them on www.retours.eu and in railway magazines. But now it’s all come together in one big book and an exhibition in the Railway Museum, where I’ve been a tour guide for years. It has the country’s largest collection of railway posters. I was in seventh heaven ‘shopping’ in their archives for the exhibition. But I have some posters that the museum doesn’t have, so they’re on display for the first time.

FRIVOLOUS IMAGE

By 1875, we were already seeing illustrated posters for Parisian cabaret shows, featuring voluptuous women and attractive lettering. Other sectors followed suit, but it was quite some time before the conservative Dutch railways caught onto this

Posters From the collection of Arjan den Boer and the Railway Museum

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

CULTURE

MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

new trend. They were put off by the frivolous image, so posters didn’t appear in Dutch stations until relatively late. They were initially intended to entice foreign tourists into ‘Holland’. These posters, featuring windmills and traditional dress, were produced in Paris. Some of the early railway posters were actually maritime posters, advertising boat-trains with connecting ferries to England. The oldest example, designed by none less than the architect Berlage, dates from 1893. At least that’s what I thought until I discovered a poster from 1876 advertising the boat-train from Vlissingen to Queensborough in the Zeeland archive. A massive full-colour poster like this was unheard of. A newspaper wrote that ‘As far as we know, this is the first work of art of this size to be made in the Netherlands’. This poster is in the exhibition.

In 1913, Willy Sluiter produced the first ‘modern’ railway posters, which resembled cartoons. He was known as a ‘gentlemanartist’, who portrayed both simple fishermen and fashionable townies with a healthy dose of humour. One of Sluiter’s designs shows a posh couple advertising direct trains to the French Rivièra. On a poster advertising a new fast-train to Cologne, Sluiter did not reveal the destination or the mode of transport, but just showed a loved-up couple on the platform, with a porter looking on tenderly.

SPEED AND POWER

The most famous and valuable railway posters were produced around 1930 by the Frenchman A.M. Cassandre, who expertly captured the speed and power of this modern mode of transport. His poster for the Étoile du Nord between Paris and Amsterdam depicts an interplay of lines below the North Star, which the train was named after. Cassandre’s posters were an inspiration to fellow-designers, including Dutch designers. My personal post-war favourites are the posters made for the Trans Europ Express (TEE). In 1957, the European railway companies jointly challenged the competition from the

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

up-and-coming airlines by showing off their luxurious, ultra-modern trains. The Utrecht artist Jan Rodrigo produced a colourful TEE poster featuring flags on the roof of a train. This poster was produced in several European languages. The railways decided to pimp their stuffy image around 1970. The colour of NS trains changed to bright yellow, and ‘new blood’ in the shape of Anthon Beeke and Swip Stolk was brought in for the launch of the Intercity. Their task was: ‘To swiftly remould the oldfashioned, boring image of the NS into a forward-thinking, modern, efficient service provider.’ Their poster showed a train of human heads, enhanced with a Hondekop (dog’s head) and an Apekop (monkey’s head) – nicknames for trains. After 1980, most of the posters were photo posters, which lacked the eloquence of the designer-made posters. However, some of them stand out for their styling. Fashion designer and photographer Wendelien Daan took an elegant photo of a model as a Thalys hostess. Her hair was stylishly blown back on this Paris-bound high-speed train, which ran from 1996 onwards. The newest poster in the exhibition shows a girl with a face covering, encouraging people back onto the trains after the COVID-19 pandemic. But are the days of printed railway posters numbered? Are they being replaced by digital advertising pillars at stations, and online campaigns? The sad fact may be that these 150 railway posters are the end of the line. > Until 5 September, the Railway Museum spoorwegmuseum.nl/en

CULTURE

Exhibitions & Museums

28 MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021 BLACK BEAUTY

VOICES OF FASHION For decades, fashion has been presented, worn and collected from a white perspective. Fashion curator Ninke Bloemberg and co-curator and founder of Diversity Rules Janice Deul are exploring the impact that black designers have had on the world of fashion, and on what is widely considered to be fashionable. Deul’s platform Diversity Rules promotes an inclusive fashion landscape. ‘People often say that black people are the ‘Curators of Cool’, but this is never acknowledged or recognised in the circles that matter. This is all down to power and history. This exhibition is a celebration of black beauty, talent and culture, which will hopefully make people think, and finally earn the models and designers the credit that they deserve’, says Janice Deul. > from 13 February, Centraal Museum centraalmuseum.nl

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

STRICTLY SECRET

CULTURE

Photography AiRich; fashion designs: Virgil Abloh x Louis Vuitton, Moncler x Lem Lem, Daily Paper; commissioned by Centraal Museum, 2020, Aafke Holwerda, Wouter Jansen

SSSHHHH...

The performances, videos, TV shows, installations, sculptures and experiences created by Tonnie Heijdra are rooted in her curiosity about secrets and façades. About the things that people go to so much trouble to hide: from a safe behind a painting, to the unwritten codes of social interaction. Using stereotypes, expectations and humour, she portrays absurdist versions her surroundings, in which everyone is invited to take part and where secrets are almost revealed. > 10 March to 2 April, EXboot exboot.nl

Exhibitions & Museums

AN ARTY AFTERNOON WALK If all the museums and galleries are still closed, never fear: you can still get your shot of art. Museumtv.nl came up with a great idea: going for a walk past museums. In Oost district, for example, where you pass the world-famous RietveldSchröderhuis on Prins Hendriklaan. The Utrecht furniture maker Gerrit Rietveld designed this architectural highlight of De Stijl art movement in 1924. Note the smooth transitions from inside to outside, the sleek horizontal and vertical lines and his typical use of primary colours in combination with white, grey and black. Castellum Hoge Woerd in Leidsche Rijn is another good tip. It’s a modern renovation of the Roman fort that stood here between 40 and 400 AD. The walls of the fort, the roads you walk along, the bathhouse, the river course are all in exactly the same place, and are exactly the same size, as the originals. Outdoor art initiative EXtuin was thought up by the people behind EXbunker and EXboot. They asked dozens of artists to exhibit their work in Utrecht front gardens along popular walks. Perfect for an arty, COVID-proof afternoon walk!

30 MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

5× urban jungle

Photography xxxxxxxx

AS WE’RE PROBABLY STILL SPENDING THE MAJORITY OF OUR TIME AT HOME, WHY NOT CHEER UP YOUR SURROUNDINGS BY CREATING YOUR OWN URBAN JUNGLE? IT’S A BRILLIANT IDEA, AS GREEN HAS A CALMING INFLUENCE, PLANTS IMPROVE THE AIR QUALITY AND THEY HELP KEEP YOUR SPIRITS UP.

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

LOVE OF PLANTS

STEK VOOR JE PLEK

> Hardebollenstraat 4 @stekvoorjeplek

SHOPPING

You could call Stek voor je Plek a hobby that got out of hand. Margot, the woman behind this green paradise, started her shop in Hardebollenstraat purely because she loves plants. You could spend hours here, nosing around the mini-cacti, bonsai-ginseng, pancake plants and beautiful homemade terraria. Even the vintage furniture is for sale. The shop was launched last year as a pop-up store, but Margot has decided to stay on. Good news for plantlovers in Utrecht!

32 MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

TROPICAL PALMS

You’ll find everything you need at Daen’s: clothes, a nice cuppa with a slice of cake, and something to expand your urban jungle. Daen’s Greenhouse, on the corner of Korte Minrebroeder straat, is packed with all things green – from modest houseplants to ceiling-high palms. They also sell attractive flowerpots, designer vases and luxury travel books. What’s more, the shop serves as a lobby for guests staying in one of the high-end urban apartments in the hotel of the same name upstairs. > Korte Minrebroederstraat 13-17 daens.nl

Photography Eric Kleinberg, Nienke & Erik

DAEN’S GREENHOUSE

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

DRIED FLOWERS

LE JARDIN

> Mariaplaats 42 lejardinutrecht.nl

GREEN CORNER

WONDERWOUD The store on the corner of Kerkstraat and Nachtegaalstraat doesn’t just serve coffee and vegan cakes – it also sells plants, home accessories and vintage items. The Wonderwoud plant store is run by Sonja and Lynn, who also have a shop in the centre of Maastricht. Their store is a real urban jungle with cosy corners, seating and music from an old-school gramophone. And of course there’s a good chance that you’ll leave with a new houseplant under your arm. > Nachtegaalstraat 34 wonderwoudplanten.com

Find it on the map See page 64

GREEN PARADISE

ROOD & BLOEM Carolien Rutgers’ shop is Utrecht’s green paradise. There’s no way you could leave this shop without a bag full of plants. As well as houseplants in all shapes and sizes, you’ll find beautiful plant pots and fun gifts to give away (or keep for yourself). In the spring, Rood & Bloem sells a range of items for your garden or balcony.

> Springweg 14 roodenbloem.nl

SHOPPING

The charming Mariaplaats is home to a restaurant/flower shop combi. Florist Le Jardin sells gorgeous bouquets of dried flowers, gifts and green plants for indoors and out. If it’s allowed again, don’t forget to visit the restaurant for a bite to eat, where they’ll cook you a meal based on the best and freshest seasonal vegetables and herbs. They also provide meal kits to take home.

34 MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

Biking around the

Dutch Water Lines YOU’LL SEE THEM DOTTED ALL AROUND THE UTRECHT COUNTRYSIDE: ANCIENT FORTS AND CONCRETE BUNKERS, CASEMENTS AND HIDEOUTS. TOGETHER THEY FORM A DEFENCE LINE THAT WAS DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE NETHERLANDS FROM HOSTILE ATTACK. A LOT OF THE NEW DUTCH WATER LINES IS STILL CLEARLY VISIBLE AROUND UTRECHT, SO CLIMB ON YOUR BIKE AND DISCOVER THIS UNIQUE HERITAGE.

EXPLORE Photography Jessica de Korte

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

36 MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

Fort Rijnauwen

Fort bij Tienhoven

Follow the cycle routes

A staggering 16 forts stand proudly in two semicircles to the north, east and south of Utrecht. There are so many because it was tricky to flood the area around the city. You’ll see the first forts after biking for just ten minutes from the city centre. Discover the rest on one of three different cycle routes (16, 38 and 44 kilometres). The shortest route takes you from the city centre via Fort Blauwkapel to Noorderpark Ruigenhoek, where you will see forts including Fort de Gagel and Fort Ruigenhoek. You’ll then bike past the green oasis of Fort aan de Klop and back into town. If you want to go further, follow the River Vecht to Fort Maarsseveen and the lock in Tienhoven. The longest route goes southwards, where the Water Line has been very well preserved. This takes you past four forts in Lunetten district, Fort de Batterijen in Nieuwegein, the Island of Schalkwijk, the Water Line Museum at Fort bij Vechten, Fort Rijnauwen and Fort Hoofddijk, which is part of the Botanical Gardens in the Utrecht Science Park. nieuwehollandsewaterlinie.nl/fietsen

THE CYCLE ROUTE TAKES YOU THROUGH SPRAWLING GREEN LANDSCAPES FULL OF FORTS, BUNKERS, LOCKS AND CANALS

Tip 2

Do the bike experience

If the restaurants are allowed to open their doors again in March and/or April, there’s a 47-kilometre ‘Bike & Bite’ route for the sporty foodies among us. Start in the Water Line Museum at Fort bij Vechten with a brief history of the construction and workings of the New Dutch Water Line (including a virtual parachute jump). You then mount your bike and cycle (‘Bike’) past forts, trenches and locks, with five stops at restaurants along the route (the ‘Bite’ element!) happenentrappen.nl/waterlinie

Photography Jan Bijl, Abe Jonker, Martin van Lokven, Dieuwke de Boer

Tip 1

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

Beersluis at Fort Everdingen

One of the Lunetten fortresses

Tip 3

e ch

Go on a cycling holiday

Now there’s a good idea for the summer: a cycling holiday along the Water Line. You follow Tip 4 a route of 242 or 373 kilometres, taking you Join the cycling tour through sprawling green landscapes full of forts, On Saturday 19 June, you can cycle a 40 or bunkers, locks, dykes, canals and wide rivers, 60-kilometre route past various forts that make and through characteristic fortress towns. You up the Amsterdam Defence Line (Stelling van can book your own hotels of campsites along the Amsterdam) or the New Dutch Water Line. Take a route, or let someone else arrange it all. If you guided tour of one fort, drink a cup of coffee at don’t want to bike that far, there’s a four-day the next and go for a walk with a forest ranger in route from Bunnik, taking you past Fort de another. The next day it’s the turn of the racing Batterijen, the Plofsluis, Fort Honswijk, Fort bikes. Routes of 100 kilometres (from Utrecht), Everdingen and Fort Asperen to Gorinchem. 200 kilometres (from Abcoude) or 300 kiloThe return journey goes through historical towns metres (from Purmerend) have been set out, such as Leerdam and Vianen, past Fort Vreeswijk taking you through different landscapes and and Fort Jutphaas and the four Lunetten past forts, castles, windmills, rivers, dykes and fortresses in Utrecht. bunkers to the finish line in Gorinchem. waterliniefietsroute.nl

hollandsewaterliniesfietstour.nl

EXPLORE

jV F o r t bi

Ode to the Dutch Water Lines 2021 revolves around an Ode to the Dutch landscape. The Dutch Water Lines are a big feature of this special year, with organised fort safaris, bike routes, walks, pop-up restaurants and art events. For more information, go to: odeaandehollandsewaterlinies.nl

38 MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

Leeuwenberg

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

The

city castles of Utrecht

n the late eleventh century, Utrecht was the largest, most important city in the Netherlands. This was an era in which people rediscovered building with bricks. Before this, houses had been built from wood, but this was banned when it became clear how easily they caught fire. Most of the large, brick-built houses that appeared along Oudegracht (the main trading route through the city at that time) were commissioned by prominent wealthy families and merchants. The houses were known as city castles, although most of them bear no resemblance whatsoever to a castle. Most of the castles have been converted and extended over time, but some of them still exude the allure of bygone times. Oudaen 1 city castle at Oudegracht 99 is probably the best example of a city castle. In around 1280, at a time when most of Utrecht consisted of wooden houses with thatched roofs, the wealthy Zoudenbalch family had this fortified brick castle built.

EXPLORE

WALKING ALONG OUDEGRACHT, YOUR EYE IS PROBABLY CAUGHT BY THE WATER AND THE WHARF CELLARS THAT ARE SO CHARACTERISTIC OF UTRECHT. BUT IT’S ALSO WORTH LOOKING UP. THERE ARE PLENTY OF SO-CALLED CITY CASTLES TO SPOT IN THE CITY, AND THE OLDEST DATE BACK TO THE MIDDLE AGES. A little more than a hundred years later, it fell into the hands of the Van Houdaen family, hence the name. The interior of the grand café that currently occupies the building reflects its past riches. The brewery in the basement is also a nod to the past: beer was already brewed here in the Middle Ages, as beer was considered safer to drink than water. Depending on the time that you are here, it’s definitely worth trying one or two of the beers brewed by Oudaen. A bit further on, you’ll find three city castles quite close together: Fresenburg 2 at number 113, Groot Blankenburgh 3 at number 121 and Proeysenburch 4 at number 127. Fresenburg city castle looks very different from the way it looked when it was built in the thirteenth century, but you still get a good impression by looking at the impressive frontage. Groot Blankenburgh dates from around the same time and was built by a prominent Utrecht patrician family.

Oudaen

40 MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

Ubic a

bui

l di

Drakenburg

TEN HERT IS EASY TO RECOGNISE BY THE STATUE OF A GOLDEN DEAR ABOVE THE ENTRANCE

The house once had a stepped gable, but this was removed in the eighteenth century. The buildings either side originally belonged to the same family, who moved into these smaller houses in the winter as they were easier to keep warm. Of the three, Proeysenburch is the building that least resembles a city castle, but it too was built by a powerful Utrecht family in its day. Continue along the road, turn right and walk through Choorstraat and Lijnmarkt and back onto Oudegracht. At number 307 you will find Leeuwenberg 5 , a fourteenth-century city castle featuring battlements (finally!) with lions on top. (If you walk back along the opposite bank later on, you’ll be able to admire the battlements and the lions from a distance.) Carry on, cross the Geertebrug bridge a little further along and turn left onto Oudegracht again, where you’ll see Payenborg 6 city castle at number 320. Continue along Oudegracht, which later turns into Donkere Gaard, Lichte Gaard and Vismarkt. At the very end, turn right onto Oudkerkhof and immediately turn left. You are now on one of the main squares in town, Stadhuisplein. This is a great place for a short pitstop or coffee to go at Papi Churro, for example, Café de Zaak or Daen’s. You also have a good view of the Ubica buildings 7 , two adjacent houses at Ganzenmarkt 24 and 26, which were originally built in the fourteenth century. During the centuries that followed, they were used for all kinds of purposes, until a fire

Photography Stephanie Versteeg, Het Utrechts Archief/Fotodienst GUA, Het Utrechts Archier/D.C. Goosen

Oudaen

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

Find it on the map See page 64



Drakenburg hu

Groot Blankenburgh

EXPLORE

broke out in the late 1980s. Little changed until 1992, when squatters took them over. They lived in the dilapidated buildings for a good twenty years. After the squatters were forcibly removed by special riot police, extensive renovation work was carried out and the Ubica café-restaurant and Mother Goose Hotel moved in. The building at number 6, with the strange gold lettering on the gable, is also a city castle: Huis Pallaes 8 . It has been renovated extensively in the 20th century. Proceed on Oudegracht, until you almost reach the end. The house at number 114 on the corner of Oudegracht and Drakenburgstraat is possibly the oldest brick-built house in Utrecht: Drakenburg 9 city castle. These days it’s a men’s clothes store, but in the twelfth century it was owned by the Knights of Drakenburg. Some (non-original) murals and other details are still visible, so do take a peek inside the shop. Turn right and walk towards Potterstraat, cross the road and continue along Oudegracht. Ten Hert or the Hertenhuis 10 at number 86 is easy to recognise by the statue of a golden deer above the entrance. This is another very old building, probably dating from the thirteenth century. It’s the perfect place to finish, as two houses back, they serve great cappuccino and snacks-to-go at the Koffieboontje espresso bar. Or you could wander back to Oudaen to sample a few more locally brewed beers...

MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

Photography Istock

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

10×

Takeaway by Merel van 't Hooft

EAT & DRINK

WHETHER YOU’RE OUT OF GROCERIES, HAVE SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE OR ARE JUST SIMPLY TOO LAZY TO COOK: GETTING SOME FOOD TO GO IS USUALLY THE KICK-OFF TO A GOOD NIGHT.

MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

VEGGIE ASIAN

IT’S A WRAP

This is where to go for amazing vegan and vegetarian Asian food, prepared by a very friendly Chinese family. Soy is a hidden gem in Tuinwijk district that has not yet been contaminated by the hipster virus, but remains authentic and affordable. They only take cash and don’t deliver, but that’s all the more reason to jump on your bike and inhale some fresh spring air.

Having successfully opened several stores in Groningen, FLFL came to Utrecht in February of this year. They offer (you guessed it) lots of tasty falafel options at this venue. Apart from the wellknown hummus and tahini toppings, they also serve amba (a salty mango chutney) and a cilantro and parsley sauce. Plenty of reasons to stop by for a bite.

SOY (TUINWIJK)

JAPANESE SOUL FOOD

FLFL (CENTRE)

> Antonius Matthaeuslaan 112 soy-utrecht.nl

> Servetstraat 10 falafel.nl

DON-KOUNOSUKE (VAARTSCHE RIJN)

This gem close to the Vaartsche Rijn train station probably is the most authentic Japanese restaurant in all of Utrecht, if not the whole region. Instead of the standard sushi, they serve different dishes from Japanese cuisine, such as Bento boxes and curry. And once it is allowed, please dine in to give their signature Donburi rice bowls a try. > Westerkade 27 don-kounosuke.nl

Don-Kuonosuke

Find it on the map

SELAMAT MAKAN

INDO FOOD HOUSE (LEIDSCHE RIJN)

See page 64

In do

Fo od Ho use

A fairly new addition to Leidsche Rijn: Indo Food House. Two twin brothers with Indonesian roots opened the doors of this restaurant in December 2020. One of them used to work at places like The Streetfood Club and Beers & Barrels. The idea: a luxury but still affordable version of traditional Indonesian takeaway restaurants. Check out their nasi rames combination dishes for a guaranteed (and satisfactory) food coma. > Graauwaartsingel 300 indofoodhouse.nl

Photography Jeroen Vrouwenvelder, Alain Pham/Unsplash

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

10×

Takeaway

EAT & DRINK FLFL

MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

BURGER TIME

BUURTEN IN DE FABRIEK (OOG IN AL) & BUURTEN IN DE GAARD (TUINDORP)

MAKE SURE NOT TO SKIP THE TIRAMISU TO END YOUR MEAL ON A HIGH NOTE

B uu

r ten

For affordable quality burgers, Buurten in de Fabriek and Buurten in de Gaard are great places to go. They only do take-away in times of corona, so count yourself lucky if you live in Oog in Al or Tuindorp. Try their organic beef burger or go for a vegetarian or vegan option. Buurten also serves coffee (to go), cakes, soups, sandwiches and other meals, including kid-friendly options and sweets. > Kanaalweg 91 & Troosterhof 4 kombuurten.nl

VIETNAMESE CRAVINGS

KIMMADE (CENTRE)

With two branches in the city centre, Kimmade caters to the

Son

Ma t

inner city’s Vietnamese cravings. Thanks to fresh ingredients, lots of herbs and the yummy balance between sweet, sour and salty, their dishes are always on point, whether you’re vegetarian or love your fish and meats. The menu of the Street Food venue on Mariastraat differs from the one of the Food Village on Oudegracht a/d Werf – both are worth a try. > Mariastraat 2 & Oudegracht a/d Werf 61 kimmade.nl

PIZZA, PASTA & TIRAMISU

FATTA A MANO (HOOGRAVEN)

In the mood for Italian? Check out pizzeria Fatta A Mano, which serves more than just great pizza. Try their delicious bolognese or pasta al salmone, for example, and make sure not to skip the tiramisu to end your meal on a high note. More often than not, they’ll throw in some free breads with garlic butter or a drink, too. What’s not to love? > Vultostraat 112 pizzeriafattaamano.nl

KOREAN CUISINE

SON MAT (CENTRE) Son Mat successfully opened

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

Son Mat

> Voorstraat 30 sonmat.nl

RIBS & CHURROS

PADRES PLACE (LOMBOK) If you’re in the mood for a real fast food treat, check out Padres Place in Lombok: a

SON MAT SERVES MOUTH-WATERING KOREAN SOUL FOOD FROM A CUTE CORNER STORE fusion between the American and Mexican kitchen, with several varieties of spareribs (Asian, Mexican, Spanish), burgers and lots of guiltypleasure sides. Make sure to finish it off with some churros from their ‘calories corner’. You can eat a salad again tomorrow. In January, Padres Place was one of the five nominees for the title Hollands Best Delivery Chef 2021. > Van Koetsveldstraat 20 padresplacedelivery.nl

SURINAMESE FOOD

KUKRUBOSS (OVERVECHT)

According to many, KukruBoss serves the best Surinam food in town. With its generous portions, well-spiced dishes and friendly service, KukruBoss has made a name for itself both in and beyond Overvecht. They recently opened a second take-away venue on Vleutenseweg, which is also a great option for affordable roti, (vegan) nasi or tjauwmin. > Franciscusdreef 40K & Vleutenseweg 110 kukruboss.nl

EAT & DRINK

on Voorstraat last summer. They serve mouth-watering Korean soul food from a cute corner store that only does delivery and takeaway. Try the boneless fried chicken or hearty deopbab (rice with toppings), or go for one of their combo meals. Skip the kimchi if you can’t handle the spice, but if you love the burn, you know what to do!

48 MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

INTERNATIONAL UTRECHT

the

New Locals JULIE DAVY-ADJEI FROM FRANCE

MOVING TO A DIFFERENT COUNTRY IS NEXT LEVEL DURING A GLOBAL PANDEMIC. JULIE AND HER FAMILY MOVED TO UTRECHT MIDSEPTEMBER LAST YEAR FOR HER HUSBAND’S JOB. THEY WERE ABLE TO FULLY ENJOY LIFE IN THE CITY ONLY FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS BEFORE THE PARTIAL, AND THEN COMPLETE LOCKDOWN. HAVING LIVED IN LONDON FOR THE PAST THIRTEEN YEARS, THE NEW DUTCH LIFESTYLE HAS ENCHANTED JULIE. By Anita Nánási

‘I had never been to Utrecht before moving here. My husband was here for his job interview and stayed a couple of days before the lockdown in March. He said it was a very cute place and I trusted him. I was not disappointed! Compared to London, the city is lovely, calm and very green with all the parks. I love taking photos while walking around town. I also love the museums. The offer is very wide, given the relatively small size of the city. I’ve already visited many of them and took my son to the Miffy Museum. What I find difficult to get used to is that the shops close early compared to London, where everything is open almost all the time.’

LIKE A FAIRY-TALE ‘Our friends recommended going to Amelisweerd since it’s just a five minute bike ride from our home. We cycled to the pancake house the weekend after. It was sunny, we got a table right by the water and we ate pancakes. I think it was our first week here and it was just great. The beautiful autumn day made the area look like a fairy-tale. It was a perfect welcome in Utrecht.’

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

‘Moving to a different country in the middle of a global pandemic was quite scary. We did all the apartment visits online, so it was challenging to choose a house to live in that we hadn’t actualy seen. The actual move went well - we were lucky that my husband’s company helped us out. It would be nice to meet people who have children, but that’s been very difficult because of corona. We can’t really meet people and build new connections. We would also like to show our new life to family and friends, other than on FaceTime: where we live, how cool it is. But unfortunately we’ve had to cancel all visits of family and friends because from the virus. We met a Dutch couple in South America eight years ago. I think we would have felt very lonely without them.’

‘WE WOULD LIKE TO SHOW OUR NEW LIFE TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS, OTHER THAN ON FACETIME’ DOUBLE LOCK ‘Definitely get a bike! But do lock it twice. My bike was stolen in our second month in Utrecht. I have to admit I was a little scared of riding a bike, because I thought there were special rules. But I realised that once you’re on your bike, it’s all fine. I love that you can just cycle around safely. After you’ve mastered biking the city, get the Museumkaart and an OV-chipkaart, and just start exploring!’ In collaboration with the International Welcome Centre Utrecht Region (IWCUR). For practical information about what this ‘expat’ centre can do for you and when it is open, check page 63 of this magazine or go to welcome.utrechtregion.com

Julie’s favourites SHOPS Daen’s is a wonderful concept store. They have everything: a plant shop, a café and clothes. The shops on Burgermeister Reigerstraat are lovely as well. RESTAURANTS We celebrated my husband’s birthday at The Streetfood Club, which is super cozy with very good food. And Pizza Beppe is delicious! They put proper tomato sauce on their pizza. SPORTS Yoga Moves’ starter package is a great introduction to the studio. The English classes were a pleasant surprise. NATURE Amelisweerd is my favourite - for me it’s freedom on a bike. BOOKS Expats should get a copy of the illustrated book Utrecht by Brigitte Nieubuur and Ellen de Bruijn. It really made us discover the city.

Photography Ellen de Bruijn, Liset van der Laan, VSCO, Dieuwke de Boer, Linda Sier

CHALLENGING TIMES

50 MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

THROWBACK

Spring

sunshine

Photography Het Utrechts Archief / Fotodienst GUA

1976

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

We look forward to it every year, but this year perhaps more than ever: being able to sit outside for the first time, enjoying the warm rays of pale spring sunshine. There’s been a terrace on the Kalisbrug bridge on Vismarkt, which was built around 1300, for years. In days gone by, a market used to be held on the square on this bridge, selling mainly fish. The bridge had roofing to keep the traders and fishmongers dry, but that was destroyed during the German occupation. A house for the fish auction was built on the bridge instead, and it’s still there today. Let’s hope that we can soon sit on the terrace of the Graaf Floris café-restaurant with a coffee and warm apple dumpling (a speciality at Graaf Floris for almost forty years) or a beer with tasty hot ‘bitterballen’. > In collaboration with Het Utrechts Archief. Visit them at Hamburgerstraat 38 hetutrechtsarchief.nl/english

52 MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

March & April Rondé

A date to pencil in your calendar: Utrecht indie pop band Rondé will be giving two corona proof concerts on 23 April. First single Run marked their breakthrough in 2014. A remix of the song was later used in a beer commercial by one of the leading Dutch beer brands. The second album Flourish was released last year. It was recorded in Berlin, which definitely gave it a more electronic vibe. > 23 april, TivoliVredenburg tivolivredenburg.nl

CALENDAR

Cultural Events Calendar

MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

This cultural events calendar has been composed with the utmost care. All the information was correct (as well as COVID-proof) at the time of printing, but as we all know, the situation can change in a drop of a hat. This means that the events listed in this calendar could get cancelled at the last minute. So wherever you go, always check the website or social media of the place you’re heading for the most up-to-date information.

March

3 Wednesday MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ DE KARGADOOR > JazzKelder [19:30 The wharf cellar of De Kargadoor will be transformed into a real jazz café in which te focus will be on improvisation. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Eric Vaarzon Morel [20:15] The acclaimed Dutch guitarist pays tribute to his great Spanish example Paco de Lucía, the most virtuoso and innovative flamenco guitarist of all time.

4 Thursday MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Nina Simone by

Sabrina Starke & Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw [20:15] The JOC is internationally known for its unique collaborations with soloists. Together with ‘singer-soulwriter’ Sabrina Starke, they delve into Nina Simone’s oeuvre. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > CloudNights: Tineke Postma & Ralph Alessi [21:00] Saxophonist and composer Tineke Postma takes the stage with trumpeter Ralph Alessi, bass player Clemens van der Feen and drummer Tristan Renfrow.

5 Friday MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ DE NIJVERHEID > Teddy’s Hit [20:00 and 21:30] ‘Painters’, the debut album of this band from Amsterdam, was released at the end of January. Their sound is influenced by the raw indie music from the nineties. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] Join the English speaking local guides for a free (tip-based) walking tour through the city. In two hours, they will tell you about the history and hidden gems of Utrecht and provide you with insider tips on where to go next.

6 Saturday CLASSICAL MUSIC DOM CHURCH > Saturday afternoon concert [15:30] Enjoy a free classical concert in the church on Domplein. This time, organist Jan Hage and a soprano singer will perform ‘Miroir de Peine’, a work by composer Hendrik Andriessen (1892-1982). PERFORMING ARTS THEATER KIKKER > The Quintessentials~ Q5 [20:00] Sarada Sarita found inspiration in the energy and expressiveness of waacking, a dance form that began in the seventies in the Latin and Afro-American LGBTQI+ clubs of Los Angeles as an expression of the oppression they felt. With her crew of dancers and vocalists, the choreographer goes in search of the essence of our human nature, to celebrate it and protect it. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fri 5.

7 Sunday MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Hans Dulfer - 80! [16:00] Dutch saxophone player Hans Dulfer celebratres his 80th birthday with some of his classics as well as new work. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Jon Bryant [20:45] On his first three albums, Canadian artist Jon Bryant showed his indie folk and Americana side, but his fourth album ‘Cult Classic’ sounds less acoustic and more electronic. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fri 5. IN FRONT OF THE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE > Gilde Utrecht guided walking tour [14:00] The guides show you the most beautiful spots of the historic centre. Book the tour (kids/U-pas €4/adults €8, 1½ hour) in advance.

8 Monday MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Martyn Joseph

[21:00] Singer-songwriter Martyn Joseph from Cardiff (Wales) makes music in the style of John Prine, Billy Bragg, Luka Bloom. He’s also known as the Welsh Springsteen.

9 Tuesday MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Julian Lage [20:00] This guitarist is considered one of the absolute top in jazz, but also in folk/bluegrass and avant-garde circles. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Warped

Dreamer feat. Arve Henriksen / Donder & Sigbjørn Apeland [20:00] Two Norwegian-Belgian jazz formations will be on stage: the Flemish piano trio Donder with the Norwegian Sigbjørn Apeland on harmonium, and jazz band Warped Dreamer with the Norwegian experimentalists Arve Henriksen and Stian Westerhus, and the Belgian Jozef Dumoulin and Teun Verbruggen.

10 Wednesday MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Lizz Wright [20:15] Wright belongs to the new generation of jazz vocalists building on the legacy of Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, but with a contemporary twist. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Nubiyan Twist [20:15] One of the best afro jazz bands of this time, combining soul, jazz, dub, hip-hop, afrobeat and reggae. PERFORMING ARTS STADSSCHOUWBURG UTRECHT > The Mad King [20:00] For this performance, OPERA2DAY collaborates with the New European Ensemble and Museum Speelklok. The result is an immersive, colorful and corona proof theatre experience, with music of Peter Maxwell Davies, Georg Frideric Händel and Brendan Faegre.

11 Thursday MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Dominic Seldis & James Pearson [20:30] British double bass player Seldis takes to the stage with his musical partner pianist Pearson to play some jazz and tango music. LECTURES DE KARGADOOR > Utrecht in Dialoog [19:30] ‘Utrecht in Dialoog’ builds bridges between all kinds of different people. In small groups you will talk about themes that concern us all. This dialogue is also for people who speak English.

12 Friday CLASSICAL MUSIC TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Asko|Schönberg [20:00] Performing ‘Odysseus’, a new

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

work by composer Calliope Tsoupaki and artist/photographer Awoiska van der Molen. PIETERSKERK > Old sources are springing up again [20:15] The soloist ensemble Capella Saccelli sings ‘Polyphony’ by Josquin des Prez and the Utrechts Vocaal Ensemble combines motets by Monteverdi and Schütz with music by contemporary composers such as Ola Gjeilo and David Lang. MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Robin Nolan & Anton Goudsmit Trio [20:15] One of the best gypsy jazz guitar players in the tradition of Django Reinhardt joins forces with the Anton Goudsmit Trio. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fri 5.

13 Saturday CLASSICAL MUSIC DOM CHURCH > Saturday afternoon concert [15:30] Enjoy a free classical concert in the church on Domplein. This time, soloists ensemble Cantores Martini will perform ‘Missa Pange Lingua’, a work by composer Josquin

des Prez (ca. 1450-1521). TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Pieces of Tomorrow Festival [19:30] An informal introduction to classical music, with performances by the Noord Nederlands Orkest with cellist Maya Fridman and many more. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fri 5. PERFORMING ARTS THEATER KIKKER > Blanco [19:00 and 21:00] Simon Bus and Shane Boers are two outstanding B-boys in the international dance scene. They each present a duet with their own distinct signatures. ‘Moon Grow Slow’ by Bus is an expressive portrait of two bodies, young and inquisitive, with an undertone of wisdom and maturity. In ‘Evolution’, Boers and fellow member of HustleKidz Justen Beer take their examination of B-boy techniques to the extreme.

‘Oktober’ by Shostakovich, as well as ‘Piano concert no. 1’ by Rachmaninov. MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Teitur [20:45] Faroes singer-songwriter Teitur has collaborated with big names such as Seal, Corinne Bailey Rae and Ane Brun, but hasn’t made a name for himself yet. That is about to change. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fri 5. IN FRONT OF THE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE > Gilde Utrecht guided walking tour [14:00] See Sun 7.

14 Sunday

CLASSICAL MUSIC TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Orkest van

CLASSICAL MUSIC TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Nederlands

Philharmonisch Orkest [14:15] The orchestra and pianist Nikolai Luganski play ‘Symphony no. 6’ and

Theatre Tips

Photography Nafisa Skeie Photography, Nikola Kostic& Natasa Radosavljevic

HOW IT ENDS Theater Kikker > 9 March Four dancers focus, prepare and mentally shut themselves off from everything that distracts them. They get into ‘the zone’, until all training, sacrifice and pain will pay off.

How it ends

Blanco

BLANCO Theater Kikker > 13 March Simon Bus and Shane Boers are two outstanding B-boys in the international dance scene. They each present a duet with their own distinct signatures.

16 Tuesday MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Bremer/McCoy [20:30] This Danish duo creates a meditative mix of melodic jazz, neoclassical and ambient.

17 Wednesday de Achttiende Eeuw & Alexander Melnikov [19:30] The orchestra and pianist Melnikov play work by Bach, Beethoven, Haydn and Mendelssohn. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Justin Taylor & Le Consort [20:00] The 23-year-old harpsichordist Justin Taylor and his companions from Le Consort focus on Corelli’s trio sonatas. MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ DE KARGADOOR > JazzKelder [19:30] See Wed 3. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Chef’ Special [20:00] Funky rap rock from Haarlem.

18 Thursday CLASSICAL MUSIC TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Requiem of Fauré [20:15] In 1980, the original manuscript of Fauré’s ‘Requiem’was discovered. It was intended for a chamber orchestra. This performance by the Nederlands Kamerkoor and Amsterdam Sinfonietta can hardly be called ‘small-scale’, though. MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Chef’ Special [20:00] See Wed 17. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Hermine

Deurloo, Mike Boddé & Lilian Vieira [20:15] The lyrical sounds of the harmonica and the melancholy of Brazilian music seem made for each other. Harmonica player Hermine Deurloo, singer Lilian Vieira (Zuco 103) and pianist Mike Boddé will pay tribute to João Gilberto, the founder of the bossa nova, who passed away in July 2019. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Rutger Muller Ensemble - Protokols [20:30] The concert hall as a church, the club as a mystical temple and festivals as new social rituals: for composer and sound

CALENDAR

THE QUINTESSENTIALS~ Q5 Theater Kikker > 6 March Choreographer Sarada Sarita found inspiration in the energy and expressiveness of waacking, a dance form that originated in the seventies. She goes in search of the essence of our human nature, to celebrate it and protect it.

The Quintessentials

56 MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021 artist Rutger Muller, these functions overlap. He searches for mysticism and spirituality in contemporary electronic music. This results in an amalgam of deep club music, acoustic drones and spectral music.

19 Friday CLASSICAL MUSIC TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Groot

Omroepkoor sings Brahms and Bach [20:15] The orchestra plays works by Brahms, Bach, Buchenberg, Koessler, Reger and Diepenbrock. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fr 5.

20 Saturday CLASSICAL MUSIC DOM CHURCH > Saturday afternoon concert [15:30] Enjoy a free classical concert in the church on Domplein. This time, the Domcantorij will perform ‘Choralpassion opus 7’, a work by composer Hugo Distler (1908-1942). TIVOLIVREDENBURG > St Matthew Passion [19:00] In this St Matthew Passion, tenor Mark Padmore is an evangelist and conductor at the same time. His track record in Bach’s most famous work is impressive. In this intimate setting, the soloists are also part of the choir. MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Nouveau Vélo [19:45 and 21:45] Lo-fi and jangly indie pop from the Netherlands. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fr 5.

21 Sunday MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Venice [20:15] Westcoast pop from California. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fri 5. IN FRONT OF THE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE > Gilde Utrecht guided walking tour [14:00] See Sun 7.

22 Monday LECTURES ANATOMY BUILDING > What makes maps fair? [20:00] With mapmaking, there is always the risk of being left out. The consequences are real. Feminist cartographer Dr Britta Ricker (UU) takes a critical look at the power of mapmakers. According to her, everyone deserves a place on the

All events listed in this calendar are subject to change. Check the website of the venues for the most up-to-date information.

map. How can we make that happen? MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Carter Sampson [20:30] For years, Oklahoma has been characterised as a new hotspot for Americana and roots music. Following in the footsteps of artists like Woody Guthrie, Merle Haggard and many other greats, people like John Moreland carry on the torch. So does singer-songwriter Carter Sampson, who is also known as ‘the Queen Of Oklahoma’. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Hania Rani [20:30] This Polish pianist/composer is an exciting new name in the neoclassical circuit.

This time, organist Jan Hage will perform ‘La Chemin de la Croix opus 29’, a work by composer Marcel Dupré (1886-1971). PERFORMING ARTS HET HUIS UTRECHT > Qandy vs. John [20:30] During her time at acting school, theatre maker Quiah Shilue developed the characters John and Qandy. John is a quiet old, charming gentleman, Qandy a rude, honest rap queen. In Qandy vs. John, Quiahs characters face each other for the first time. They can’t be together but can they live without each other? GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fr 5.

24 Wednesday

28 Sunday

CLASSICAL MUSIC TIVOLIVREDENBURG > JohannesPassion [19:00] Due to the coronavirus restrictions, the Dutch Bach Society has decided to perform the JohannesPassion, instead of the St Matthew Passion this year. MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Cuca Roseta [20:15] Fadista Cuca Roseta pays tribute to Amália Rofrigues, who would have turned 100 in 2021. LECTURES UTRECHT UNIVERSITY HALL > How

MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Benjamin

23 Tuesday

our environment affects our health [20:00] It’s safe to say that, in general, we live longer than ever before. We’ve eradicated some deadly infectious diseases and improved our hygiene and nutrition. But are we also living healthier? What makes us sick in the 21st century? These are the questions that epidemiologist Virissa Lenters (UU) tries to answer by decoding the exposome, a relatively new concept aimed at explaining what humans are exposed to in life, from birth to death.

26 Friday CLASSICAL MUSIC PIETERSKERK > Hohe Messe [20:15] The Barik Archipel brings J.S. Bach’s greatest work in a small line-up. MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ DE KARGADOOR > Utregticana [20:00] A whole evening of Dutch music in the wharf cellar of De Kargadoor. Host Van Piekeren will open the evening and will present a new artist every months as the main act. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fr 5.

Herman Kwintet & Ack van Rooyen[16:00] The renowned quintet plays together with legendary trumpet-flugelhorn player Ack Van Rooyen. PERFORMING ARTS HET HUIS UTRECHT > Qandy vs. John [20:30] See Sat 27. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fri 5. IN FRONT OF THE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE > Gilde Utrecht guided walking tour [14:00] See Sun 7.

30 Tuesday CLASSICAL MUSIC TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Jean Guihen

Queyras & Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker [20:00] Bach’s music is a lasting source of inspiration to the Flemish choreographer and dancer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker. On stage tonight is ‘In Mitten wir im Leben sind’, a work for three dancers: two female dancers and cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras. MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Birds of Chicago [20:00] This American roots collective combine Americana, rock and soul.

April

27 Saturday CLASSICAL MUSIC DOM CHURCH > Saturday afternoon concert [15:30] Enjoy a free classical concert in the church on Domplein.

1 Thursday CLASSICAL MUSIC TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Johann Heinrich

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

Rolle’s Matthäus [20:15] Johann Heinrich Rolle (1716-1785) completed his version of the St Matthew twenty years after Bach. It has a clear link between baroque and classical music and will be played by the Kölner Akademie. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Dutch Classical Talent: Anton Mecht Spronk [20:30] Cellist Anton Mecht Spronk has been showered with prestigious awards, and is no stranger to renowned concert halls such as Carnegie Hall either. He even has his own international festival.

2 Friday CLASSICAL MUSIC TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Mendelssohn: Paulus [20:15] The Radio Filharmonisch Orkest and the Groot Omroepkoor have chosen a different angle this Easter: Mendelssohn instead of Bach. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] Join the English speaking local guides for a free (tip-based) walking tour through the city. In two hours, they will tell you about the history and hidden gems of Utrecht and provide you with insider tips on where to go next.

3 Saturday CLASSICAL MUSIC DOM CHURCH > Saturday afternoon concert [15:30] Enjoy a free classical concert in the church on Domplein. MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Spinvis [15:45 and 20:15] Over the last twenty years, Erik de Jong a.k.a. Spinvis, has become one of the most idiosyncratic and versatile artists in the landscape of Dutch pop music. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fri 2.

4 Sunday MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Thomas

Dybdahl & Metropole Orkest [20:15] Norwegian singer-songwriter Dybdahl and the Metropole Orkest take his folk, pop and jazz songs to new heights. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fri 2. IN FRONT OF THE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE > Gilde Utrecht guided walking tour [14:00] The guides

Exhibitions & Museums Tips Playfully Melancholic

Cis Bakker

Before it stirs the surface

CIS BAKKER Gallery Niek Waterbolk > 30 March to 4 April Drawings and paintings on paper by Cis Bakker. Playing with the tension between abstract and figurative art, she focuses on what is not yet there. BEFORE IT STIRS THE SURFACE Movement Exposed Gallery Space > 6 March until 24 April With this solo exhibition, visual artist Natalia Ossef shows various works that mark the transition to a new creation process with objects, photography, a performance video and an installation.

show you the most beautiful spots of the historic centre. Book the tour (kids/U-pas €4/adults €8, 1½ hour) in advance.

5 Monday MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Film concert King of Kings [15:00] ‘King of Kings’ is a 1927 blockbuster by legendary filmmaker Cecil B. DeMille about the life and suffering of Jesus Christ. Berry van Berkum accompanies the film with his organ music.

7 Wednesday CLASSICAL MUSIC TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Lars Vogt [20:00] German pianist Lars Vogt will sink his teeth into Schubert’s ‘Piano Sonata no. 21, D960’, a monumental work. MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ DE KARGADOOR > JazzKelder [19:30] The wharf cellar of De Kargadoor will be transformed into a real jazz café in which te focus will be on improvisation. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > EKKO &

TivoliVredenburg present: Personal Trainer [19:30] This constantly changing indie collective from Amsterdam stems from Canshaker Pi, includes members from Pip Blom and Korfbal, among others, and is sparing with new releases. Although that recently changed with the release of the EP ‘Gazebo’.

8 Thursday CLASSICAL MUSIC TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Holland Baroque [20:15] Holland Baroque is playing organ music composed by Bach. MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Silje Nergaard & Espen Berg [20:00] Norwegian jazz singer Silje Nergaard celebrates her 30th anniversary with a special collaboration with pianist (and fellow countryman) Espen Berg. LECTURES DE KARGADOOR > Utrecht in Dialoog [19:30] ‘Utrecht in Dialoog’ builds bridges between all kinds of different people. In small groups you will talk about themes that concern us all. This dialogue is also for people who speak English.

9 Friday CLASSICAL MUSIC TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Nederlands

Kamerorkest with Andreas Ottensamer [20:15] Ottensamer is the principal clarinettist of the Berlin Philharmonic, but has also played on the album of Tori Amos. PERFORMING ARTS THEATER KIKKER > How it Ends [19:00 and 21:00] Four dancers focus, prepare

CALENDAR

PLAYFULLY MELANCHOLIC EXbunker > 20 March to 18 April Lotte Kooistra makes installations that she combines with audiovisual technology. The perception of the space as a whole plays an important role.

58 MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

Lecture Tips

and mentally shut themselves off from everything that distracts them. They get into ‘the zone’, until all training, sacrifice and pain will pay off. This performance zooms in on people who head straight for a goal with an all-or-nothing mentality - the kind of focus we need in order to deliver an unprecedented performance. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fri 2.

10 Saturday

UTRECHT IN DIALOOG De Kargadoor > 11 March ‘Utrecht in Dialoog’ builds bridges between all kinds of different people. In small groups you will talk about themes that concern us all. People who speak English are also welcome to join the dialogue. WHAT MAKES MAPS FAIR? Anatomy building > 22 March With mapmaking, there is always the risk of being left out. Feminist cartographer Dr Britta Ricker (UU) takes a critical look at the power of mapmakers. How can we give everyone a place on the map?

Photography Elaine Howlin/Unsplash, Joris Louwes

JANE AUSTEN: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE Central Library Neude > 20 April Many will know Jane Austen’s story from one of its film or TV adaptations. According to literary scholar Dr Barnita Bagchi (UU), the actual text has more to offer as a sharp satire on love, marriage and social class.

CLASSICAL MUSIC DOM CHURCH > Saturday afternoon concert [15:30] Enjoy a free classical concert in the church on Domplein. PERFORMING ARTS THEATER KIKKER > Antibodies [20:00] Performance duo Boogaerdt/ VanderSchoot honors feminine anatomy as the source of creation during a ritual gathering. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fri 2.

11 Sunday CLASSICAL MUSIC TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Ruysdael Kwartet [11:00] One of the Netherlands’ most famous string quartets plays work by Janáček and Dvořák. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Phion [15:00] Het Gelders Orkest and the Orkest van het Oosten take the stage together for the longest symphony from Russia before 1917: Rachmaninov’s ‘Symphony no. 2’. PERFORMING ARTS THEATER KIKKER > Antibodies [20:00] See Sat 10. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fri 2.

12 Monday MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Tom Grennan [19:45] Singer-songwriter from the UK, best known for the hit song ‘Found What I’ve Been Looking For’. PERFORMING ARTS THEATER KIKKER > Antibodies [20:00] See Sat 10.

14 Wednesday MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > The Hollies [20:15] One of the most successful and best loved bands from the British Pop Invasion of the 1960s. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Marble Sounds

All events listed in this calendar are subject to change. Check the website of the venues for the most up-to-date information.

[20:30] Melancholic indie folk with a hint of post punk.

15 Thursday CLASSICAL MUSIC TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Ensemble Resilience [20:30] The international ensemble explores new possibilities of sound in contemporary classical music. MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Michelle David

& The Gospel Sessions [19:00 and 21:45] Concert to celebrate the release of their new album, on which you can definitely hear their love for soul, funk and afrobeat. PERFORMING ARTS THEATER KIKKER > Heen [21:00] Paul van der Laan’s new solo without words about the influence of psychoses on his life. They transported him to remote corners in his mind that he was unaware of. ‘Heen’ sees him search for moments when illusion defeated reality. And the other way round.

16 Friday CLASSICAL MUSIC TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Maya Fridman

& Cello Octet Amsterdam [20:00] World premiere of ‘Severade’ by the young Ukrainian composer Maxim Shalygin. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Sergey Khachatryan performs Brahms [20:15] The Radio Filharmonisch Orkest and violinist Khachatryan play works by Brahms, Diepenbrock and Lutosławski. MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Suede [20:00] This iconic band from the UK will perform the third album ‘Coming Up’ in full, as well as other big hits. PERFORMING ARTS THEATER KIKKER > Heen [21:00] See Thu 15. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fri 2.

17 Saturday CLASSICAL MUSIC DOM CHURCH > Saturday afternoon concert [15:30] Enjoy a free classical concert in the church on Domplein. MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Nederlands Blazers Ensemble [20:00] Each year, the NBE makes a journey in search of hidden treasures and inspiring encounters with local musicians. This year it’s the samba, bossanova and lambada from Brazil. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Asgéir [20:15] Melodic electronic folk. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > CloudNights: Philippe Lemm Trio [21:00] Lyrical compositions rooted in jazz and

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

influenced by classical and rock. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fri 2.

18 Sunday MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ HOFMAN CAFÉ > Jazzbende [15:00] See Sun 7. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fri 2. IN FRONT OF THE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE > Gilde Utrecht guided walking tour [14:00] See Sun 4.

20 Tuesday LECTURES CENTRAL LIBRARY NEUDE > Jane

Austen: Pride and Prejudice [20:00] Many will know Jane Austen’s story from one of its film or TV adaptations. It has set the bar for swoon worthy romance. According to literary scholar Dr Barnita Bagchi (UU), the actual text has more to offer as a sharp satire on love, marriage and social class. How did readers interpret the book when it first came out? Does that differ from the way we read it today?

21 Wednesday MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ DE KARGADOOR > JazzKelder [19:30] See Wed 7. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Bongeziwe Mabandla [20:30] Inventive afro-folk music.

22 Thursday

23 Friday CLASSICAL MUSIC TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Fuse Live [20:00] Taking classical music to the next level.

24 Saturday CLASSICAL MUSIC DOM CHURCH > Saturday afternoon concert [15:30] Enjoy a free classical concert in the church on Domplein. MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Sven

Hammond plays Monk [20:30] Quirky interpretation of jazz legend Thelonious Monk. PERFORMING ARTS HET HUIS UTRECHT > Continuum [time tba] See Thu 22. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fri 2.

30 Friday MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Arlo Parks [19:45] Alt pop with poetic lyrics and the soulful voice of singer Arlo Parks from London. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Anne Müller [21:15] Cellist Anne Müller fuses together the sounds from her cello and ambient soundscapes. DE KARGADOOR > Utregticana [20:00] A whole evening of Dutch music in the wharf cellar of De Kargadoor. Host Van Piekeren will open the evening and will present a new artist every months as the main act. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fri 2.

Kids

25 Sunday MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Cristina Branco [15:00] One of the greatest fadista’s of this time. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Kika Sprangers

/ Irene Reig Quintet - Alto for Two [16:00] Two talented jazz saxophonists/composers forces. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fri 2. IN FRONT OF THE TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE > Gilde Utrecht guided walking tour [14:00] See Sun 4.

26 Monday CLASSICAL MUSIC TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Van Swieten Society [20:00] London: the great musical empire.

28 Wednesday CLASSICAL MUSIC TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Severin von Eckardstein & Friends [20:00] Piano quintets by Elgar and Schumann.

29 Thursday MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Will and the People [20:30] English band that shot to fame with the feelgood song ‘Lion in the Morning Sun’.

EXHIBITIONS, MUSEUMS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES MIFFY MUSEUM > Step into the world

of Miffy and her friends [permanent] Ten rooms, each dedicated to a different subject, invite young children to discover the world around them step by step. MUSEUM HOGE WOERD > ArcheoHotspot [permanent] Archaeology comes to life in Museum Hoge Woerd. Contribute to the ongoing research by helping the (voluntary) archaeologists. RAILWAY MUSEUM > eduTRAINer (all ages) [permanent] The EduTRAINers are on hand every day to tell you all about our trains, the turntable, signal box and train dispatch centre. Keep an eye out for them; you can recognise them by their vests covered in railway buttons and insignias. RAILWAY MUSEUM > Tech lab (4+) [permanent] How do electric trains get their power? Why can pigeons sit on overhead wires without getting electrocuted? This practical learning lab has answers to all these questions. RAILWAY MUSEUM > Trial by fire (12+) [permanent] A tour that ends with a real trial by fire. Do you dare? Narrator Rutger Hauer guides you on a journey through railway

CALENDAR

CLASSICAL MUSIC TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Nederlandse Bachvereniging [20:15] Bach loves Vivaldi. MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Anne-Fay [19:15 and 21:30] Soulful Dutch singersongwriter. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Polo & Pan [20:15] Electro duo from France. PERFORMING ARTS HET HUIS UTRECHT > Continuum [time tba] This performance questions our fixed views on reality and tries to make tangible that not only everything we see is dynamic but that we ourselves are also part of this continuous changing dynamic. With the sole use of a white canvas, a controlled framed view, light and movement Johannes Bellinkx seeks to take his audience onto an evermoving path.

MUSIC / POP, WORLD, JAZZ TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Rondé [18:00 and 21:00] Melodic pop from Utrecht. TivoliVredenburg > Andy Shauf [19:45] Indie folk with melancholic lyrics from Canada. TIVOLIVREDENBURG > Darlyn [20:45] Roots pop from the Netherlands. PERFORMING ARTS HET HUIS UTRECHT > Continuum [time tba] See Thu 22. GUIDED TOURS DOMPLEIN > Free Walking Tour Utrecht [13:30] See Fri 2.

60 MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

Kids Tips

Museum Speelklok

MUSICAL TOUR Museum Speelklok > every Wednesday-, Saturday- and Sunday afternoon Discover everything about the largest and smallest self-playing instruments of Museum Speelklok. Listen to fascinating stories, sing along, dance together and maybe even play a small organ yourself. Sonnenborgh

STARGAZING NIGHTS Sonnenborgh Museum & Observatory > every Friday evening in Mar and Apr Gaze through the big telescope to see with your own eyes what gas nebulae, planets and the moon surface look like up close. For kids from 6 to 12 years old.

Photography Marieke Wijntjes

De Vrijstaat

FLOWER POWER De Vrijstaat > Sunday afternoons Zoom in on the power of nature, together with artist Jolanda Schouten. Try to capture nature yourself with your brush in the Garden Studio or head outside for some Guerrilla Gardening.

history. Experience what it was like to be an engine driver in the old days. SONNENBORGH MUSEUM & OBSERVATORY > Bringing far away close by Climb the stairs to the observatory and wonder at the starry heavens. Learn all about the stars in de sky and the weather in one of our exhibitions, tours or lectures. Or take a virtual journey through the universe in the planetarium. SONNENBORGH MUSEUM & OBSERVATORY > [Every Friday evening] Stargazing nights for kids See with your own eyes what gas nebulae, planets and the moon surface look like up close. SONNENBORGH MUSEUM & OBSERVATORY > [Every Sunday afternoon] Sun on Sunday In clear weather you can study the sun with your own eyes. The largest solar telescope in the Netherlands will then be aimed at the sun. In clear weather you can see the sunspots and gas clouds on the solar surface. DE VRIJSTAAT > Flower Power [every Sunday and in school holidays between 12:00 and 17:00] In the Flower Power exhibition we zoom in on the power of nature, together with artist Jolanda Schouten. You can imagine you’re in a flower garden between her large paintings, go on a journey through time with scents in the Fragrance Lab and try to capture nature yourself with your brush in the Garden Studio. Weather permitting, you will conquer the outdoor space by means of Guerrilla Gardening. DE VRIJSTAAT > KunstKeet [Wednesdays from 15:30 to 16:45 from 11 Mar to 15 Apr] Are you looking for a place where your child (6-8 years old) can experiment with art, discover different techniques and materials and be inspired by professional artists? Then register your child for the KunstKeet, a series of six lessons given by a professional art teacher. UTRECHT UNIVERSITY MUSEUM ONLINE > Become a real researcher! The Online Museum of the University Museum Utrecht offers the possibility to start research at home. Check umu. nl/museum-online.

All events listed in this calendar are subject to change. Check the website of the venues for the most up-to-date information.

Movies

CHECK THE WEBSITES OF THE MOVIE THEATRES FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE FILM PROGRAMME. LOUIS HARTLOOPER COMPLEX >

hartlooper.nl/en SPRINGHAVER > springhaver.nl/en

‘t Hoogt > hoogt.nl

Festivals & Events

UTRECHT INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL – EVERY WEEKEND UNTIL 17 MAR ONLINE > [various times] The biggest comedy festival in the Benelux is going online this year. Every weekend until 17 March, the world wide web will be home to stand-up comedians from home and abroad. With shows in English or Dutch.

Exhibitions & Museums

CENTRAAL MUSEUM UNTIL 21 MAR > Collector’s Item Pieter and Marieke Sanders started collecting contemporary art by both young and upcoming and more (inter)national artists, in the early 1970s. Their collection therefore forms a splendid reflection of the art made during the past few decades, as curated by Dutch museumlevel galleries. It comprises paintings, drawings, sculptures, small objects,

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

neath the Domplein square. Explore the archaeological findings, dating back to the Roman Castellum ‘Trajectum’, with an interactive flashlight. EXBOOT UNTIL 5 MAR > Flashbacks of your Adolescence Truth and fiction, figuration and abstraction: it all runs together in Shimon Kamada’s work. His paintings tell a story of melancholic, lonely or embarrassing experiences. Kamada’s surreal approach creates mystery, his Japanese background evokes unexpected interpretations in his Western audience. 10 MAR – 2 APR > ssssssshhhtt Artist The performances, videos, tv-shows, installations, sculptures and experiences that Tonnie creates are a result of her curiosity for secrets and façades. For everything that is hidden with a lot of fuss. MONDAYS TILL FRIDAYS > Monthly changing exhibitions of upcoming artists EXboot used to be a boat for window prostitution, in Utrecht formerly known as ‘het Zandpad’. Nowadays, it is transformed into an exhibition space for art, located at De Nijverheid. Every month the boat is filled with new art, performances, installations and other expressions made by upcoming talents. EXBUNKER UNTIL 14 MAR > Re-in_venting Reinier van Duijn wants to experiment with fixed systems and conventions. He fuses different materials together in a space-filling installation; at first sight it seems absurd and humourous, but there is also a darker layer to discover. 20 MAR – 18 APR > Playful Melancholic Artist Lotte Kooistra is interested in making installation art, combined with audiovisual techniques. The experience of the entire space plays an important part. It appeals to the visitor’s senses, who can experience an atmosphere of melancholy. SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND EVERY 2ND, 3RD AND 4TH FRIDAY OF THE MONTH > Monthly changing exhibitions of upcoming artists EXbunker used to be a bunker during World War II. Nowadays, it is an exhibition space for art. Every month the bunker is filled with new art, performances, installations and other expressions made by upcoming talents. GALLERY NIEK WATERBOLK 9 – 14 MAR > Surrealism and abstract art Group exhibition of work by artists Hans Oldenhof (abstract and expressionist), Marjo Hofmann (aquarelle and drawings inspired by the natural world) and Hans Huitinck (architecture, graphic design and art). 30 MAR – 4 APR > Cis Bakker Drawings and paintings on paper by artist Cis Bakker, painter of the lost and found.

DE HAAR CASTLE 1 MAR – 30 APR > Visit De Haar Castle De Haar Castle is the biggest and most luxurious castle in The Netherlands. A visit will show you the splendour that surrounded the international rich and famous in the early 20th century. IMPAKT UNTIL 24 MAY > Tabita Rezaire Solo exhibition in collaboration with Centraal Museum. For her colourful video installations, Tabita Rezaire starts from the cross-pollination between scientific ideas, technology and spirituality. MIFFY MUSEUM PERMANENT > Step into the world of Miffy and her friends Ten rooms, each dedicated to a different subject, invite young children to discover the world around them step by step. MOLEN DE STER EVERY SATURDAY > Visit the mill This mill in the Lombok district is a traditional working sawmill. The volunteers put the mill into action and explain its history. Free admission. MOVEMENT EXPOSED GALLERY SPACE 6 MAR – 24 APR > Before it Stirs the Surface Visual artist Natalia Ossef shows various works that mark the transition to a new creation process with objects, photography, a performance video and an installation. Focusing on the body as a language tool, Ossef draws gestures and elements from her ancestors’ movements and actions to find a personal narrative in their renewed performance. MUSEUM CATHARIJNECONVENT PERMANENT > Museum collection Get an insight into the Christian art and cultural history of the Netherlands and its influence on Dutch society. PERMANENT > Rembrandt and the Golden Age Meet Rembrandt’s predecessors, followers and contemporaries through 16th- and 17th-century masterpieces from the museum’s collection of bible paintings. MUSEUM HOGE WOERD PERMANENT > Visit the castellum Discover everything about the contemporary reconstruction of the Roman fortress that once stood here. Audio tours are available in English and several other languages. MUSEUM SPEELKLOK UNTIL 9 MAY 2021 > Straatbeeld Get to know the many different types of fairground organ figures and discover the work of artist Peter Demetz, who makes lifelike, unpainted dreamy, wooden images, inspired by the age-old organ figures. PERMANENT > The musical tour This tour takes you to the wonderful

CALENDAR

installations, video work and artist’s books. The collection mainly consists of early work by artists such as Marlene Dumas, Babs Haenen, Hans Wilschut, Navid Nuur, Monali Meher, Driessens & Verstappen, Otobong Nkanga, Hannah van Bart, Katja Mater and many more. FROM 23 APR > Utrecht Lokaal: Natalia Ossef The work of Natalia Ossef (1983) is characterized by the tension between history and current events, between the individual and the collective. In her early collages and paintings, Ossef refers to her memories of her native Syria. Since then she has expanded her palette with performance videos, photos and installations, which she will now be showing for the first time. UNTIL 24 MAY > Voices of Fashion. Black Couture, Beauty and Styles A fashion history focusing on black designers, models and sources of inspiration. UNTIL 24 MAY > Annex: Tabita Rezaire During Voices of Fashion, the Annex is taken over by Rezaire (1989), a French artist with Guyanese and Swedish roots. She makes video installations and performances in which she critically and playfully connects her artistry to alternative world views, healing methods and spirituality. PERMANENT > Lights on Wood Interactive lighting installation on the Utrecht Ship. PERMANENT > Rietveld and Van Baaren collection The French and Dutch paintings from the Van Baaren collection are juxtaposed with furniture pieces by Gerrit Rietveld. PERMANENT > The World of Utrecht All disciplines rub shoulders in this exhibition: modern art, city history, fashion and costumes, old art and applied arts. PERMANENT > Studio Dick Bruna Dick Bruna’s studio (he’s the creator of Miffy) has a new and permanent place on the top floor of the museum, which exudes the same atmosphere as Bruna’s studio at present. DOM CHURCH PERMANENT > Visit the church The cathedral is open to the public 7 days a week. PERMANENT > Dutch Museum Churches Discover the hidden treasures of the Dom Church with an English audio tour. DOM TOWER PERMANENT > Tour of the Dom Climb the steps of the Dom Tower and learn everything about its history. There’s also a lift that takes you to the top to admire the beautiful skyline of the city. DOMUNDER PERMANENT > Secrets of Domplein Discover 2,000 years of history under

62 MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021 world of self-playing musical instruments, surprising you with cheerful tunes emanating from all corners of the museum. EVERY TUE TO SUN > Musical tour with live music Tour that will take you through the wonderful world of self-playing musical instruments. Let yourself be surprised by the cheerful tunes from all corners of the museum. NEDERLANDS VOLKSBUURTMUSEUM PERMANENT > Museum collection The Dutch museum of backstreets and working class neighbourhoods will show you the two hundred yearhistory of the day-to-day life of the man in the street. RAILWAY MUSEUM PERMANENT > The great discovery After descending 150 metres in a lift, you’ll step out into the early 19th century, a world filled with soot and steam. You’ll see De Arend (the eagle), the very first steam locomotive in the Netherlands. Listen to the special audio tour to hear all the stories. PERMANENT > Loaded trains In this exhibition, the museum remembers the forced transport of Jews, Roma and Sinti to extermination camps during World War II. This ongoing exhibition has been permanently installed in and around a baggage car found in Romania. PERMANENT > Trains through the

years In the central hall, you’ll find the most important trains from the history of the Dutch railway. From antique steam locomotives and wooden coaches to modern electric trains. RAUM PERMANENT > RAUM Exhibitions Come and visit RAUM city lab, the biggest playground for design, art and technology. You’ll discover amazing art objects and installations built on the biggest town square of Utrecht. UNTIL 7 MAR > Living Apart Together One in ten Utrecht residents experiences severe loneliness. But loneliness is also a problem in cities worldwide. RAUM brings together existing ideas about loneliness and the imagination of dozens of creative makers. RIETVELD SCHRÖDERHUIS WEDNESDAY TO SUNDAY > Visit the Rietveld Schröderhuis Utrecht architect Gerrit Rietveld designed this whole building along the lines of the Dutch artistic movement De Stijl, known for its geometric shapes and primary colours. Reservation is compulsory. SALON VAN WELEER PERMANENT > Salon van Weleer Visit the Salon van Weleer for the Tearoom of Yesteryear (a unique Salon, live games Scriptorium, Purgatorium and Reliquiarium.

SLOT ZUYLEN SATURDAY AND SUNDAY > Visit Slot Zuylen This castle is situated on the river Vecht in the tiny village of Oud-Zuilen near Utrecht. Whilst retaining many of its medieval castlelike features it was converted into a country mansion in the 18th century. SONNENBORGH MUSEUM & OBSERVATORY PERMANENT > Bringing far away close by Climb the stairs to the observatory and wonder at the starry heavens. Learn all about the stars in de sky and the weather in one of our exhibitions, tours or lectures. Or take a virtual journey through the universe in the planetarium. EVERY FRIDAY EVENING > Stargazing nights See with your own eyes what gas nebulae, planets and the moon surface look like up close. EVERY SUNDAY AFTERNOON > Sun on Sunday In clear weather you can study the sun with your own eyes. The largest solar telescope in the Netherlands will then be aimed at the sun. In clear weather you can see the sunspots and gas clouds on the solar surface. HET UTRECHTS ARCHIEF PERMANENT > Utrecht starts here! Go on an interactive journey through the city’s history, based on accounts given by residents.

MAG Utrecht Editor in chief Dieuwke de Boer Editorial board Dieuwke de Boer, Pam van der Veen and Ronald Besemer Design & cover design Flowdesign.nl Designers Merel Brouns, Saskia Janssen, Rosa Mathijssen and Linda Sier Contributors Arjan den Boer, Merel van 't Hooft, Anita Nánási and Nynke van Spiegel Translations Caroline McNeal Listings Dieuwke de Boer and Merel van 't Hooft Deadline for listings Edition May/Jun: 8 Mar at the latest and edition Jul/Aug: 10 May at the latest via redactie@magutrecht.com Advertising Carsten van Rossen T 06 52 62 11 06 c.vanrossen@utrechtmarketing.nl Suzanne Baerends T 06 10 63 33 96 s.baerends@utrechtmarketing.nl

Publisher Utrecht Marketing Address Ganzenmarkt 1, 3512 GC Utrecht T 030 232 30 80 Printing Pijper Media, Groningen Distribution Distribution is provided by Flyerman. Available in cultural and social institutions, restaurants, cafés and hotels. For inquiries about distribution, contact Flyerman via info@flyerman.nl or 06 45 73 41 38.

MAG Utrecht is published 6 times per year with a circulation of 25,000 copies. Editors and publisher strive for complete and accurate representation of received information. Editors nor publisher can be held responsible for any erroneous entries.

> MAG Utrecht May/Jun 2021 will be published in week 17.

may in any way be reproduced without the prior permission of the copyright holder. Online & social media www.magutrecht.com Facebook: facebook.com/ magutrecht Instagram: @magutrecht

This publication is made possible by cultural and social organisations and the City of Utrecht.

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

New in town?

The IWCUR is there to help

Looking for a present?

Park Broekhuizen in Leersum

Practicalities Tourist Information Centre At the foot of the Dom Tower, you’ll find the Tourist Information Centre. They are more than happy to help you book tickets for heading up the Dom Tower, tours or bikes to get around the city. Of course, they can also tell you about everything you can do in and around Utrecht. > open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, Domplein 9

Getting around BY BIKE > Cycling is the easiest

and fastest way for getting around town. There are several

Must-sees & must-dos

For more tourist information, must-sees, and must-dos in Utrecht, go to visit-utrecht.com

Visit the store of the Tourist Information Centre for all kinds of presents made by local producers

bike renting spots in the city centre and around the station. Bikes are also for rent at the Tourist Information Centre. BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT > The U-OV day ticket (Dagkaart) is valid for one day (€ 6,20), 2 days (€ 9,25) or 3 days (€ 11,85) on all buses and trams. Buy your ticket at the U-OV Service Store in the main hall of Utrecht Central Station. Children up to the age of 4 can travel for free on U-OV buses and trams. The OV-chip card (OV-Chipkaart) is a public transport card which is accepted by all operators in the Utrecht region. You can buy an anonymous card for € 7,50 at the ticket vending machines in the main hall of Utrecht Central Station. You can also get one at the Tourist Information Centre. Please note that it’s mandatory to wear a face mask in all buses, trams and trains. The Utrecht Region Pass provides access to the entire public transport system in the

The International Welcome Centre Utrecht Region (IWCUR) is located on the second floor of the Stadskantoor (Utrecht municipal offices). The staff helps international newcomers and residents with all their questions and paperwork regarding their move to the region, including formalities with the municipality and the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND). The IWCUR also provides information about housing, education, job opportunities, health care and more. > For opening hours, check welcome.utrechtregion.com. You can also contact the IWCUR by phone and email. Stadskantoor (Stadsplateau 1) welcome.utrechtregion.com

Netherlands. You can book the travel pass online, collect it when you arrive in town (at the Tourist Information Centre, for example) and start travelling straight away. Check utrechtregionpass.com for more information.

Free city tours Free walking tours, such as Utrecht Free Tours and Free Walking Tours Utrecht, provide you with inside information you won’t find in a guide book. Most of these tours start on Domplein. The Tourist Information Centre also organises walking tours in English.

EAT & DRINK

EXPLORE

SHOPPING

CULTURE

SPOTLIGHT

MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

1 Pandhof Sinte Marie 8 Huis Pallaes Behind the Utrechts ConGanzenmarkt A6m st er servatorium on Mariaplaats 9 Drakenburg d am Oudegracht 114 2 Paushuize se st 10 Hertenhuis Kromme Nieuwegracht 49 ra at Oudegracht 86 w eg 1 Theater Kikker Ganzenmarkt 14 1 SOY 2 Het Huis Utrecht Antonius Matthaeuslaan 112 2 FLFL Hoge Woerdplein 1 3 Stadsschouwburg Utrecht Servetstraat 10 Lucasbolwerk 24 3 Don-Kounosuke 4 Centraal Museum Westerkade 27 Agnietenstraat 1 4 Indo Food House 5 The Railway Museum Graauwaartsingel 300 5 Buurten in De Fabriek Maliebaanstation 16 6 EXboot Kanaalweg V l e 91 uten sewe g 5 Buurten in de Gaard Nijverheidskade 15 7 Rietveld-Schröderhuis Troosterhof 4 6 Kimmade Street Food Prins Hendriklaan 50 8 Castellum Hoge Woerd Mariastraat 2 6 Kimmade Food Village Hoge Woerdplein 1 Oudegracht a/d Werf 61 1 Stek voor je Plek 7 Fatta a Mano Hardebollenstraat 4 Vultostraat 112 2 Daen’s Greenhouse 8 Son Mat Korte Minrebroederstraat Voorstraat 30 9 Padres Place 13-17 3 Wonderwoud Van Koetsveldstraat 20 10 KukruBoss Nachtegaalstraat 34 4 Le Jardin Franciscusdreef 40K Mariaplaats 42 & Vleutenseweg 110 5 Rood & Bloem Springweg 14 1 Oudaen Oudegracht 99 2 Fresenburg Oudegracht 113 3 Groot Blankenburgh Oudegracht 121 4 Proeysenburch Oudegracht 127 5 Leeuwenberg Oudegracht 307 6 Payenborg Oudegracht 320 7 Ubica buildings Ganzenmarkt 24 en 26

Tivoli Vredenburg

6 8

Vreden burg

Hoog Catharijne

5 9 10

Central Station

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

Griftpark

O.Z.

si n

Wi tt

We e r d

3 ng

Biltstraa

b ie

at Bu

.R ei

Wilhelmina park

Oud

ijn

ach

egr

Centraal Museum

es in

Park Lepelenburg

4 5

City centre

2 2

Mal

euweg

acht

omm

Oude

g4r

Zocher park

10 9

Neude

ro u wen

Drift

ge l

Twijnstr a

Map of Utrecht

n e sin

All locations

MAP

Cat

66 MAG Utrecht — Mar/Apr 2021

Check out online Central Library Utrecht bibliotheekutrecht.nl/english Centraal Museum centraalmuseum.nl dB’s dbstudio.nl/en Dom Church domkerk.nl Dom Tower (VVV Tourist Info) domtoren.nl/en DOMunder domunder.com/en EXboot exboot.nl EXbunker exbunker.nl Free Walking Tour Utrecht freewalkingtourutrecht.com Gilde Utrecht gildeutrecht.nl/english De Haar Castle kasteeldehaar.nl/english Hoogt on Tour hoogt.nl Het Huis Utrecht hethuisutrecht.nl IMPAKT impakt.nl De Kargadoor kargadoor.nl Louis Hartlooper Complex hartlooper.nl/en Miffy Museum nijntjemuseum.nl Moira moira-utrecht.nl Molen de Ster molendester.nu Movement Exposed Gallery Space movementexposed.com Museum Catharijneconvent catharijneconvent.nl/english Museum Hoge Woerd museumhogewoerd.nl Museum Speelklok museumspeelklok.nl Nederlands Volksbuurtmuseum volksbuurtmuseum.nl/visitorinformation De Nijverheid denijverheid.com Pieterskerk pieterskerkconcerten.nl

Podium Hoge Woerd podiumhogewoerd.nl Railway Museum spoorwegmuseum.nl RAUM raumutrecht.nl Rietveld Schröderhuis centraalmuseum.nl/en/visit/ locations/rietveld-schroder-house Salon van Weleer salonvanweleer.nl Slot Zuylen slotzuylen.nl/english Sonnenborgh Museum & Observatory sonnenborgh.nl/english Springhaver springhaver.nl/en Stadsschouwburg Utrecht stadsschouwburg-utrecht.nl Studium Generale sg.uu.nl Theater Kikker theaterkikker.nl TivoliVredenburg tivolivredenburg.nl Tourist Information Centre visit-utrecht.com Het Utrechts Archief hetutrechtsarchief.nl Utrecht University Hall uu.nl/en/organisation/utrechtuniversity-hall Universiteitsmuseum Utrecht universiteitsmuseum.nl/english De Vrijstaat devrijstaat.nl

Mar/Apr 2021 — MAG Utrecht

FRENCH BALCONY

DAEN’S GREENHOUSE

Next time?

IT’S A CAFÉ, A DELI, A FASHION STORE, A PLANT SHOP AND A HOTEL: IF YOU STAY AT DAEN’S, YOU DON’T NEED TO GO ANYWHERE ELSE IN TOWN. THE THREE ROOMS ARE ON THE TOP FLOOR OF THE PLANT SHOP, WHICH DOUBLES UP AS THE RECEPTION. A LEAFY CHECK-IN; WHAT’S NOT TO LIKE?

The three cosy rooms are decorated with a mix of design and vintage, and a good eye for authentic details. One of the rooms boasts a French balcony with double doors and a nice view across a friendly city square. And the room in the attic has a spectacularly high ceiling under the eaves, as well as a great view and a small rooftop terrace. But that’s not all: you can shop for Dutch and Scandinavian designer labels at Daen’s Fashion, score yourself a new plant at Daen’s Greenhouse, grab coffee and cake to go at Daen’s Deli or pull up a chair for lunch or drinks at Daen’s Café.

Photography Lars Verkroost

> Korte Minrebroederstraat 13-17 daens.nl

What are your plans for the weekend? Tips from locals, beautiful walking routes, the best markets, hotspots and much more

discover-utrecht.com

Scan me

MAG Utrecht #27: March & April 2021

Articles inside

Cultural Events Calendar

Next time Daen’s Greenhouse

Practicalities

Throwback Spring sunshine

The new locals Julie Davy-Adjei from France

Shopping 5x urban jungle

The local’s favourites Q&A with Roel Maalderink

Stand-up comedy, art, theatre & more Utrecht International Comedy Festival

Theatre Manic musical theatre

Spotlight Houses of horror

What’s happening Things to do & places to go

Music Home-grown Utrecht music