Grachtenfestival expands: nine days and new locations

In nine years, the Grachtenfestival in Amsterdam has developed into one of the world’s most extraordinary music festivals.

For the first time, the festival is prolonged with four days and will now take place from 12 through 20 August 2006.

The basis of the Grachtenfestival is classical music at unique locations along the canals in Amsterdam, such as historic canalside houses, courtyards and other locations with unusual cultural-historical value.

Renowned solo artists and ensembles in unprecedented combinations in exclusive performances.

Occasionally, there will be previews of performances that will take place later in the season at other stages.

The Grachtenfestival also offers a stage to young talents.

There will be a special children’s Grachtenfestival with productions for babies and toddlers to teenagers.

Many concerts are free of charge or low-priced.

Every year revolves around a certain theme; this year’s theme is ‘Light’, which will undoubtedly inspire the musicians and other involved artists in many ways.

A new feature is that the banks of the river IJ will also be included in the festival.

The coming years, this area will develop into an actual cultural boulevard with the Muziekgebouw aan ‘t IJ, Bimhuis, Centrale Bibliotheek, Conservatorium van Amsterdam and the Filmmuseum.

One of the highlights of the Grachtenfestival is the annual Prinsengrachtconcert, which will take place for the 25th time this year, on Saturday 19 August 2006 at 8 p.m., as usual at the water in front of Hotel Pulitzer at Prinsengracht 315-331.

For more information: www.grachtenfestival.nl