Page 64 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2016 - Amsterdam

62 ❯❯ The Top 10 of Everything

Performing Arts Venues

leading international soloists and
chamber groups perform here
throughout the year.
Concertgebouw
4
The crème de la crème of
international musicians and
conductors appear at this palatial
classical music venue. Audrey
Hepburn had a season ticket when
she lived in Amsterdam, and it’s not
hard to understand why. Don’t miss
the free lunchtime concerts on
Wednesdays (see p122).
Koninklijk Theater Carré
5
Heineken Music Hall Originally built as a circus
theatre in 1894, this impressive
Heineken Music Hall
1 landmark on the banks of the Amstel
still hosts circus troupes, along with
Heineken Music Hall, ArenA
Boulevard 590 • 0900 687 4242 anything from opera to ballet,
• www.heineken-music-hall.nl magicians to music. Nothing beats
Amsterdam’s third-biggest live sipping champagne on the balcony
music venue (the ArenA next door, overlooking the river on a warm
home to Ajax football team, is the evening (see p128).
biggest). Designed especially for
amplified music, it offers world-
class acoustics and a great
ambience during concerts.
Boom Chicago
2
MAP J3 • Rozentheater,
Rozengracht 117 • 020 217 0400
• www.boomchicago.nl
On a daily basis, this US comedy
crew puts on satirical shows whose
targets are anything from Dutch
“quirks” to topical news issues.
Big on laughs and big on beer. The Circus performer at Carré
latter, served in huge pitchers, is a
Stadsschouwburg
welcome respite from the tiny frothy- 6
headed pilsjes. Star watchers note: MAP C5 • Leidseplein 26
Burt Reynolds once popped in. • 020 624 2311 • www.ssba.nl,
www.hollandfestival.nl
Het Bethaniën klooster
3 This Neo-Renaissance building – both
MAP P3 • Barndesteeg 6B
of whose precursors burned down –
• 020 625 0078 • www. houses the city’s municipal theatre.
bethanienklooster.nl Local theatre groups, such as
The refectory of a former nunnery Toneelgroep Amsterdam, as well as
(dedicated to St Mary of Bethany) is visiting companies tread the boards
now an intimate concert hall. The here. The venue also hosts dance
hall’s size and acoustics are ideal for performances, most notably the
chamber music and jazz, and many annual Julidans (July Dance) Festival.

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