A new chief conductor and new accommodation in the heart of The Hague usher in the 2021/2022 season like a pause. General & artistic director Sven Arne Tepl: 'In this eventful period, this gives an enormous boost!'

Soon the new cultural complex Amare will open its doors. 'With four venues, we have plenty of opportunities for collaboration and creative interpretations,' says Sven Arne Tepl. 'This prospect gives the musicians and staff an enormous amount of energy.' The building on the Spui is going to connect the city, he thinks. 'I am convinced that Amare will emerge as the cultural living room of The Hague.'

Sven has been closely involved from the beginning in the construction of the complex that Residentie Orkest will share with Nederlands Dans Theater, Royal Conservatoire The Hague and Stichting Amare from September 2021. 'By joining forces, we can make an even greater impact in the areas of education, community art and talent development.'

Passionate team

New chief conductor Anja Bihlmaier will inaugurate the Concert Hall with the Residentie Orkest . 'Anja immediately left a great impression after our first meeting,' says Sven. And then there is the appointment of permanent guest conductor Jun Märkl alongside Richard Egarr. 'This gives us a versatile and passionate team. Three conductors of international caliber, great performers and energetic communicators who fit our orchestra perfectly.'

In November 2021, all of Amare 's companies will present themselves at the festival Open, with Turkish pianist Fazıl Say as one of the central artists. "Say is bringing his own music this time, which I am very curious about. In addition to concerts and recitals, the pianist will also give master classes to students at Royal Conservatoire The Hague. 'I'm looking forward to this kind of creative cross-pollination and a building full of activity.'

Connection to the city

Under the title Symphony 2030, a reference to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Residentie Orkest initiates collaborative projects with a variety of communities in The Hague. 'As an orchestra, we think it is important to tie in with themes that are relevant to the city. Take the successful Stage Your Voice, in which young people use various art forms to show what is on their minds. In it, they broach topics such as loneliness, sustainability and discrimination. These personal stories create connection. And that's what it's all about.

 Connecting is also the goal of the Porch Music Concerts. With these small-scale projects we go into the neighborhoods. Often neighborhood residents hardly know each other, while there is a need for it. By organizing a concert in a courtyard garden, for example, we bring people together.'

Great loss

What a concert attendance will look like later is still unclear. Sven takes all scenarios into account. 'But I dream of a full Concert Hall, because one thing is certain: orchestra and audience cannot do without each other. We missed the audience and can't wait to move the hall again.' It won't be down to the name of the new house, Sven concludes: 'Amare is about love (amore), about connecting and embracing each other.'

Starting June 15, you will be able to book tickets for Fall 2021.