recap 2024!
De Doelen looks back: A year full of music, art and Rotterdam
On Friday 27 December, de Doelen will close the year with a sold-out End of Year Concert. And what a year it was! The concert hall looks back with a short trip along all the nooks and crannies of the beautiful building where a variety of concerts and events took place last year; all with that well-known, slightly quirky Doelen twist.
Musical highlights
The absolute world top came together in the Main Hall with Hong Kong Philharmonic, Jaap van Zweden and Alexandre Kantorow. Legendary pianist Mitsuko Uchida led the Mahler Chamber Orchestra from her grand piano through two major Mozart piano concertos. The world premiere of From Dust, the new VR opera by Michel van der Aa, also took place. The installation was created in co-production with de Doelen and could be experienced during the tenth edition of Immersive Tech Week.
De Doelen brought international jazz to Rotterdam with South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini, the combination of 70's Highlife and Berlin soul by Jembaa Groove, and with Grammy-winning bassist and composer Linda May Han Oh. Rotterdam's Peter Somuah Group paid tribute to the Ghanaian tradition of highlife music during their album presentation.
In the pop scene, Mert Demir, the rising star from Istanbul, made a big impression with his mix of r&b and Anatolian vibes. The breadth of pop was explored with the enchanting soundscapes of William Basinski, Indian music, dance, art and traditions at the Eindeloos India Festival and the experimental American band Xiu Xiu.
New spaces
Every corner of de Doelen was used, including the 7 new Studios on the ground floor, festively opened on 24 October by mayor Carola Schouten. These spaces offer space for music, art, media, catering and collaborations with the city, for both established and emerging artists. On the walls of the building, three new works of art were unveiled by three artists with a Rotterdam heart, Sandim Mendes, Anuli Croon and Christine Rusche.
Center of the city
The city came together in de Doelen. Rotterdammers voted here for the European Parliament elections, while the Waluw Vintage Market attracted thousands of lovers of vintage, design and fashion. Keti Koti, Chinese New Year and International Women's Day were celebrated. And during the Summer Carnival Royalty Election, the Queen and King were traditionally chosen.
Director of de Doelen Janneke Staarink: "2024 was a year of growth and innovation. We not only further developed the beautiful building, but also made new connections with the city and the people of Rotterdam. Together we make de Doelen a place where everyone feels welcome, gets inspired and wants to come back."
There is no time to recover. In January, de Doelen will kick off the new year with events including the International Film Festival Rotterdam, (free) programs in De Doelen Studio (Studio 1) and sold-out evenings in the Main Hall with Karsu & Amsterdam Sinfonietta and the French chanson singer Barbara Pravi. See you in 2025!
