a whole lot of music
There is always something playing in Rotterdam. There is music that awakens you, music that moves you, music that you will hum for days. From classical to hip hop, from jazz to spoken word: it all coexists, intertwines, and blends together. There is an abundance of music. And that is precisely how it should be.
Because Rotterdam lives to the rhythm. Every note, every voice, every performance tells a story: from here, from far away, from then and now. Together they form a city that buzzes with sounds, cultures and creativity. At De Doelen, we breathe that energy. We are the stage where it all comes together: big and small, familiar and surprising, local and international. A place where the walls resonate with what is happening and living outside.
But “an insane amount of music” is not just about quantity. It's also about what music does.
Music lets you feel what words sometimes cannot express. It connects without judgement. It invites you to listen, move, discover and connect.
At De Doelen, we celebrate precisely that power: the encounters between people, with different styles and from different worlds. Whether you come for a large symphonic concert, an intimate evening, a festival full of new sounds or an afternoon with children: everywhere within De Doelen, you will find connection through music.
Because ultimately, it's not about how much music there is, but what it unleashes.
And that's what we believe: music brings people closer together. So that's really what music is all about.
Lyyra
More than just an a cappella group, Lyyra has a clear goal. This six-part, professional women's choir from the US aims to completely change the standard for high-pitched singing. They emphasize the enormous and astonishing power of the female voice, in all its facets. Thanks to their diverse backgrounds and musical traditions, they present a broad repertoire, from classical choral pieces to pop, jazz, and folk music, in one dynamic program. Lyyra's strength lies in this variety, proving that their voices can replace a full band or orchestra. They deliver a world-class musical experience that inspires audiences and shows what is possible when six top vocalists give it their all.
Sat 8 Nov 25 | 20:15 | Jurriaanse Zaal
Buy your tickets for Lyyra now
Popronde 2025
Forget everything you thought you knew about Popronde, because this year it's bigger and better than ever before. All the Netherlands' young talents will be making their voices heard and claiming their place in the spotlight. And yes, there will also be performances on the iconic stages of De Doelen. Expect a day (and night!) full of energy and unexpected sounds. Don't miss this unique musical invasion and be surprised by the Dutch sound of the future.
Sat 8 Nov 25 | 8:00 PM | Eduard Flipse Hall
Discover new artists during Popronde 2025
Marmen Quartet
With the courage, vitality and intensity of their performances, the Marmen Quartet has quickly established itself on the international stage as one of the most impressive and captivating talents in chamber music.
While chamber music may refer to a small group of instruments, this is not reflected in the rich, layered character of the music.
The quartet expresses their sharp energy and intelligence in an impressive repertoire, ranging from the genre’s foundations in Joseph Haydn and the atmosphere of Debussy, to brand-new compositions.
The quartet are award-winning and critically acclaimed: they don’t simply perform their music, they dissect and present it with rare clarity.
Tue 11 Nov 25 | 20:15 | Jurriaanse Zaal
Elisabeth Hetherington & ADAM Quartet
Soprano Elisabeth Hetherington and the ADAM Quartet prove that classical music need not be static.
Hetherington is a musical powerhouse and no stranger to de Doelen.
With her expressive performances and unforgettable voice, in which she uses her background in modern dance, she received the prestigious Dutch Music Prize in 2024 for good reason.
Together with the ADAM Quartet, a young and energetic string quartet that approaches classical repertoire with a fresh perspective, they create a poetic dialogue.
This ensemble creates a special fusion of calm and wild sounds, from early music to the newest compositions.
It will be an evening that will move you and show the future of classical music.
Fri 21 Nov 25 | 20:15 | Jurriaanse Hall
classical music at a different level
50 years of Suriname independence concert
On Saturday, November 22, 2025, de Doelen will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Suriname's Independence Day with a one-off Sranan Poku Concert. This is where the cultural event that laid the foundation for Suriname's independence began in 1975. Now, fifty years later, we pay tribute to the national harmony that makes Suriname so special. During this festive evening, you will hear fifty years of Surinamese music, with well-known songs and new interpretations that celebrate the bond between Suriname and the Netherlands. An impressive group of artists, including Oscar Harris, Nisha Madaran, and Edgar Burgos, will be accompanied by the Moski Morjon band, led by Lesley Joseph. With song, dance, and a festive afterparty, it will be an evening full of pride, color, and solidarity.
Sat 22 Nov 25 | 20:30 | Main Hall
a one-time event at De Doelen, so be quick
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Les Égarés
Les Égarés is a genre-transcending music collective featuring top musicians from various worlds: Ballaké Sissoko (kora), Vincent Segal (cello), Vincent Peirani (accordion), and Émile Parisien (saxophone). The four musicians blend influences from jazz, classical, traditional music, and avant-garde. They take you on a poetic journey through the most beautiful side of experimental music, including surprising reinterpretations of existing pieces. A unique encounter of styles, sounds, and cultures that you won't want to miss.
Thu 27 Nov 25 | 20:30 | Willem Burger Hall
Discover this gem, get your tickets now
Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw ft. Camille Thurman & Tyreek McDole conducted by John Clayton: Swinging Holidays
Jazz at its very best; that's what you can expect at this swinging Christmas show by the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw, conducted by none other than Grammy winner John Clayton, an icon of the jazz scene.
With rising stars Camille Thurman and Tyreek McDole in attendance, this concert promises to be a dazzling night.
Expect a festive holiday repertoire, packed with talent from old and new. In short, a heartwarming performance that the whole family will enjoy.
Sat 13 Dec 25 | 20:30 | Jurriaanse Hall
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Helena Basilova, Genevieve Verhage & Jeffrey Bruinsma
Be carried away by an intimate musical encounter. Pianist Helena Basilova, cellist Genevieve Verhage, and violinist Jeffrey Bruinsma form a powerful trio that explores the boundaries between genres. Central to their program is a tribute to the legendary Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto. The trio brings to life the refined balance between jazz, cinematic sounds, classical structures, and experimental influences. Basilova's daring piano playing, combined with the warm tone of Verhage's cello and Bruinsma's inventive violin playing, makes for a deeply moving listening experience. Together they create a subtle, yet highly expressive soundscape. This is a must-hear for lovers of intimate, neo-classical music.
A concert that honors the emotional layering of Sakamoto's work while giving it a unique, contemporary twist.
Thu 12 Mar 26 | 20:15 | Jurriaanse Zaal
B'Rock Orchestra and Anna Meredith
ANNO is what you get when you let baroque experts loose on Vivaldi's The Four Seasons and add the most inventive British composer of the moment.
Two worlds meet: the B'Rock Orchestra, featuring historical instruments and energetic baroque music, and Anna Meredith, known for her experimental pop, techno, and film scores. In ANNO, Meredith interweaves her own electronic compositions with Vivaldi's iconic masterpiece. The result is a captivating and immersive listening experience in which baroque and electronica merge into a beautifully unique whole.
Fri 17 Apr 26 | 20:15 | Jurriaanse Zaal
where baroque and electronic music merge
Aurora Orchestra
The Aurora Orchestra from London is one of the most exciting orchestras of the moment, not because of their instruments, but because of their radically new approach to the classical repertoire.
They've thrown music stands in the trash. This orchestra plays their great symphonic works entirely from memory.
Without the barrier of sheet music, the musicians are free to communicate with each other nonverbally.
This focus on memory and physical expression reveals new, surprising layers in the most frequently played classics. The Aurora Orchestra turns every concert into a rare, intimate experience, where the music comes to life in an exciting way.
Sat 25 Apr 26 | 20:15 | Main Hall
