Music for Peace

On the weekend leading up to the International Day of Peace (September 21), the Residentie Orkest will perform at various venues in The Hague and Leiden. With music that reflects on freedom, hope, loss, and solidarity, the orchestra joins in a weekend centered on peace and justice.

On September 19 atSaturday , musicians from the Residentie Orkest will perform during “Kites for Peace” at the Kunstmuseum Den Haag. This free afternoon event, organized by Hope Box Piece, brings together art, music, poetry, and dance. Visitors can leave their own message of peace on a kite, while artists work on new pieces for the international Kites of Hope collection. Starting at 3:30 p.m., musicians from the Residentie Orkest will accompany a dancer from the Ukrainian International Ballet.

That same morning, at the Oranjehotel National Monument . This tradition dates back to 1946, making it one of the oldest commemorations in the Netherlands. During the gathering, a commemorative speech will be delivered, wreaths will be laid at Death Cell 601, and attendees will walk silently past the cell.

A day later, on Sunday September 20, the Residentie Orkest returns to the Oranjehotel during the Just Peace Open Day. A brass ensemble will perform a classical peace concert that brings together music, history, and art. The performance is dedicated to hope, solidarity, peace, and justice and is part of a program that also features visual arts and dance.

The weekend ends that evening at the Pieterskerk in Leidenwith one of the most moving works of the twentieth century: Henryk Górecki’s Symphony No. 3. Conducted by Chloe Rooke and featuring soprano Elisabeth Hetherington, this contemplative symphony explores themes of loss, a mother’s love, and the longing for security. In the monumental Pieterskerk, the music has all the space it needs to let its message resonate.

RO in the city performances are made possible in part by Fonds RO, Fonds1818, and Rabobank The Hague.

Click here for more information about Just Peace Day.