Last Sunday afternoon, May 31, Amare Concert Hall Amare with young voices, proud families, and the sound of the Residentie Orkest. During the festive final performance of The Residents, 250 students performed alongside our musicians.

For many students, it was their first time performing in a large Concert Hall. Their concentration was already clearly visible during rehearsal: the participants were carefully preparing for the program they had been working on over the past few weeks. There was also great interest in the lobby. Parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents, and other family members came to Amare watch the students perform.

The afternoon was hosted by Eric and Freek, who actively engaged the audience with a vocal and physical warm-up. This was followed by a varied program that included Prokofiev’s “Dance of the Knights” from *Romeo and Juliet* and music from *Star Wars* by John Williams. Above the stage, the Residents students from Grade 5 were ready. They sang along at the top of their lungs, together with our musicians and under the direction of conductor Leonard Evers, who turned the afternoon into a true celebration. One of the young participants perhaps summed up the afternoon best. When asked what it was like to be on this stage, she replied: “An honor.”

With thanks to all the foundations, sponsors, and donors for their support of The Residents:
ELJA Foundation, Van Rees-Klatte, Thurkow Fund, Madurodam Children’s Fund, Fund 1818, St. Boschuysen, Zabawas, M.A.O.C. Countess van Bylandt Foundation, Dioraphte, Freek and Hella de Jonge Foundation, Turing Foundation, Rabobank, Fund RO, and Rotary.

Photos: Sandra Uittenbogaart