Peace Concerts 2025

To conclude the annual Just Peace Open Day on Sunday Sept. 21, a brass quintet of the Residentie Orkest performed a unique classical concert in the Amphitheater of the National Monument Oranjehotel. The concert was organized in cooperation with Just Peace, with a message of hope, solidarity, peace and justice.

The program included works by Bach, Grieg and Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings. These pieces were also played at the very first commemoration at the Oranjehotel eighty years ago.

Musicians
Robert-Jan Hoffman - trumpet
Erwin ter Bogt - trumpet
Hugo Freitas - horn
Yiannis Bontis - trombone
Jack Price - bass trombone

On Saturday Sept. 20,the Orange Hotel held a commemoration. This makes it among the oldest in our country. Originating as a reunion of former prisoners, the first commemoration was held on Oct. 5, 1946. Cell 601 was dedicated as a memorial on that day. Each year a commemorative speech is given and wreaths are laid at Doodencel 601, followed by a Silent Walk along the cell by all present.

Dineke de Groot, President of the Supreme Court gave the commemorative speech this year and the musical accompaniment was provided by musicians from the Residentie Orkest. Some students from Johan de Witt College and artist Joost van Kersbergen also provided some special "spoken word" readings.