The first historical source to mention the name of this town in the province of Brabant dates back 1232, which is when it first received town privileges. At that time, the settlement consisted of 170 buildings that had survived the town’s troubled history. Eindhoven has been part of the Netherlands since 1629. A major international brand name has marked the city’s history for over a century: in 1891, the Philips light-bulb plant was set up here. Since then, it has contributed to the world renown of this industrial city of 200,000 inhabitants.
In 1992, Queen Beatrix inaugurated the new concert hall, the Muziekgebouw. In the quarter-century that has elapsed since then, it has grown from a regional cultural centre to one of international significance, as it welcomes distinguished ensembles, conductors and soloists. Nestled in the heart of the city, the Muziekgebouw seats 1,250 in its large auditorium, and 400 in its small concert hall. Every year, its nearly 300 concerts draw an average of 160,000 music fans.The aim of its organisers is to reach the broadest audience possible with its programming. For this reason, the Muziekgebouw strives towards the greatest diversity possible, from jazz to classical music, and with both its own productions and joint productions in a wide range of genres, using a variety of organisation solutions. However, it is not only a concert hall, but also a real establishment within the community: a place where Eindhoven locals meet up with friends for dinner and a show.
The Festival Orchestra will join the community spirit with a concert programme that begins with Bach’s Orchestral Suite No. 3, the manuscript of which was discovered by Mendelssohn. Pianist Emmanuel Ax will be playing a true classic: Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor – a popular work despite its serious and profound mood. In the closing work, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 4, the composer struggles with impending doom, but ultimately prescribes happiness as a panacea for all. Online tickets
