Bruckner 5

The opening of De Doelen in May 1966 was the crowning achievement of Rotterdam's reconstruction. Finally, the city had a musical heart again, and our orchestra a home. We are celebrating the 60th anniversary with Bruckner’s monumental Fifth Symphony. We commissioned the young multi-talent Thomas van Dun—‘energetic pulse, sharp montages,’ according to NRC—to write a new work: De Doelen may be a building, but it is always in motion.

At this anniversary concert, you will not only experience impressive new music but will also be immersed in a complete spatial experience. Scenographer Frouke ten Velden transforms De Doelen’s main hall using projections, light, smoke, and color into a captivating backdrop that merges with the music.

In the Main Hall Foyer, you will find the anniversary exhibition Wall of Fame, where you can walk past a selection of the most iconic posters from the past 60 years during a concert in the Main Hall.