In the heart of The Hague's Transvaal district, the most beautiful classical sounds resounded Sunday, September 11. The Residentie Orkest played masterpieces from the repertoire for piano, violin and cello this afternoon in JulianaPlaza. The ensemble consisting of Gerard Spronk (violin), Miriam Kirby (cello) and Ksenia Kouzmenko (piano) performed compositions by Beethoven, Mozart and Bach interspersed with works by younger composers.

General and artistic director Sven Arne Tepl led the audience through the program, sharing details about the repertoire and engaging with musicians. "Music brings people together, young and old. No matter where you come from, with music we speak the same language," said pianist Ksenia Kouzmenko. She talked about missing family and friends in her native Belarus, but also how happy she was to be back in Transvaal. She knows the neighborhood well from the days when she lived in The Hague and did weekly shopping at the Hague market on her small budget.

Enthusiastic reactions to the concert came not only from the older generation present, but also from children from the neighborhood. "I already knew the orchestra a little bit, because we also attended the Zuiderparkzomerconcert," said a young girl (8) who had taken a seat at the very front of the hall with her mother and sister. "I would also like to learn to play an instrument. But I'm still doubting whether I like cello or violin better, so I'm going to listen carefully." Afterwards, we asked her if she now knew what her favorite instrument is. "Yes, I think piano is the most beautiful."

The Concert for Transvaal is part of Symphony 2030, the social programming of the Residentie Orkest, and is offered annually free of charge to neighborhood residents of Transvaal. The concert is organized in cooperation with JulianaPlaza and made possible in part by the Municipality of The Hague, VriendenLoterij Fonds and Rabobank.