Multiple towns across the Netherlands are gearing up for the New Year with festive concerts aimed at bringing communities together through music and poetry. Among these is the New Year's concert organized by Muziekvereniging Woudklank, set to take place on January 18, 2025, at De Zantingehof in Zuidwolde. Under the direction of Thom Zigterman, the concert will feature performances from the harmonieorkest, led by Zigterman, and the training orchestra directed by Ilona Slomp. The program also includes the recorder group, with Monique Kok at the helm.
The concert promises to present lively and well-known music, fitting for celebrating the start of the new musical year. It's set to kick off at 19:30 hours, with doors opening at 19:00. Attendees can enjoy coffee or tea upon arrival. Tickets are priced at five euros, with children admitted for just one euro. Organizers extend their invitation widely, encouraging anyone interested to join the event, stating, "Everyone is warmly welcomed."
Nearby, on the very first day of 2025, the Lutherse Kerk in Nijmegen will also host special Winter-New Year's concerts featuring classical music intertwined with poetry. These concerts, traditionally held on the second Christmas day, will feature oboist Lidia van der Vegt as she returns to host this winter edition. The performances are set under the theme "Light & Vision," encompassing three mini-concerts of half-hour duration each. These will feature the interplay of classical music alongside poetry readings, along with delightful refreshments such as apple fritters and warm drinks offered during breaks.
Art enthusiasts can appreciate works by local artist Frits Ottens during the concert, with selected paintings displayed alongside the music. This year's musical ensemble will include notable musicians performing pieces by renowned composers such as Bach, Händel, Mozart, and Jan Dismas Zelenka. Zelenka, often referred to as the Czech Bach, has composed moving sonatas for the oboe and will be represented with his 4th sonata at the concert. The musical program is crafted to provide audiences with festive and diverse melodies, adding to the celebration of New Year's.
Visitors can expect the first concert to begin at 14:15 hours, with subsequent concerts scheduled at 15:15 and 16:15 hours. Ticket pricing is accessible, with fees set at fifteen euros for one concert, twenty euros for two, and twenty-five euros for all three concerts. Children can enjoy the full afternoon for just five euros, making the performance accessible for families.
Another noteworthy event taking place on January 1, 2025, is the New Year’s concert by Muziekvereniging Prinses Irene, held from 16:00 to 17:00. Celebrated for its 80th anniversary, the concert aims to engage the community and create a joyful atmosphere, promising varied themes and lively music to delight all attendees.
These concerts serve as wonderful opportunities for local communities to celebrate the New Year together through the universal language of music, fostering culture and artistic expression within the region.