looking back at de Week van de Vriend 2025
It was a special week in the Doelen: the Week of the Friend! We welcomed our Friends for a series of inspiring activities as a thank you for their valuable support. We opened doors that are normally closed and gave them a unique look behind the scenes of our concert hall.
Together with the Friends of Conny Janssen Danst we attended the last rehearsal of Symphony of Sorrowful Songs, the concert that took place that evening in the Grote Zaal. A special collaboration between two Rotterdam icons: Conny Janssen Danst and Sinfonia Rotterdam.
During the rehearsal visit, our Friends were given an intimate look into the final preparations for the performance. From Conny Janssen's instructions to the dancers to the coordination with the orchestra. It was special to experience up close how music and movement come together and how every detail is refined before the show begins.
With various tours criss-crossing through the building, we showed the Doelen from a different angle. During the Art Walk, art historian Siebe Thissen took us along the large art collection of the Doelen, which you normally almost pass by without noticing. The tour with our technician brought our Friends into the world behind the controls: from lighting to stage technology, and the hidden technical spaces in the roof of the building. There was also a backstage tour that took our Friends to the soloists' rooms, the artists' foyer and we even reached the green roof!
Of course, music could not be left out during this week. A highlight was the Talent Break with up-and-coming talents from Codarts that we visited. Thanks to the support of our Friends, these young makers get the chance to present their talent and gain experience on a professional stage. It was special to see how much fun and dedication the students showed on stage.
For those who couldn't be there, three concert recordings were available, so they could also enjoy De Doelen at home.
Thanks to all the Friends who made this special week possible. Your involvement makes the difference. See you soon in De Doelen!
De Doelen Friends
Friends provide financial support to De Doelen, so that we can continue to organize high-quality concerts and cultural events, support talented artists and offer educational programs to a wide audience. We really need our Friends to give the musicians of tomorrow a stage. Would you also like to contribute to the future of music? Then become a Friend of the Doelen!
