Folia has FOMO |“It's one of the most challenging programmes we've ever played”
No plans yet for next weekend? Overwhelmed because of all the options in Amsterdam? Then check out our bi-weekly culture column Folia has FOMO, with culture tips from the editors between June 7 and 21. From edible flowers in the city to hilarious walks and a lustrum concert in the Concertgebouw.
Spring Sweelinck Orchestra concert in the Duif and the Concertgebouw| €15
9 June and 13 June | 20:15-22:15
Editor Sija van den Beukel spoke with first violinist and president of the Sweelinck Orchestra Julia van Veen. The UvA Orchestra J.Pzn Sweelinck is Amsterdam's oldest orchestra - older than the Concertgebouw Orchestra and the Concertgebouw itself - and is celebrating its 145th anniversary this year with a tour to Bulgaria and Romania and an extra festive repertoire. “It is one of the most challenging programmes we have ever played. Cheerful and virtuosic.”
Even if you are less familiar with classical music, there is plenty to enjoy, according to Julia. “It is a very narrative programme. In ‘The Firebird’, a piece of music by Russian composer Igor Stravinsky, you can actually hear the firebird fluttering. The Sorcerer's Apprentice comes along, a piece of music that also features in the Disney film Fantasia. And in ‘Alborada del gracioso’, which means ‘Clown of the dawn’, the percussionist goes all out with castanets.
The ‘Concert for Orchestra’ after the break is a little less narrative, but one of the most accessible pieces by Hungarian composer Bèla Bartok. “The piece actually gives a very good introduction is to an orchestra. Indeed, the piece of music is not written for one soloist but for all the instruments in the orchestra.”
After the concert at the Concertgebouw, there will be an afterparty on Rembrandtplein. “Everyone is welcome. We have been working on this programme for six months, so the closing at the Concertgebouw really is a party.”
For concert times and tickets, check the orchestra website.
Bacchus wine festival in Amsterdamse Bos | € 12.50
Wednesday 9 to 11 June | 16:00 on 9 June, 14:00 on 10 and 11 June
Students are known for their drinking habits, but one person who bests all students at drinking is Bacchus. The Roman god of wine, fertility and drunkenness (the Greeks called him Dionysos). In his honour, the Amsterdamse Bos hosts the Bacchus wine festival. There are more than three hundred wines to taste from all over the world. If you're afraid you don't know enough about wine, attend one of the masterclasses or (blind) wine tastings. In addition to wine and music, there will also be plenty of food, chosen to match the festival's delicious wines of course. Buy your tickets on the website.
Ruth Elings-Volg mij in Tapastheater | €11
Wednesday 9 to Sunday 11 June | From 18:15
Do you think change is scary? Cabaret artist Ruth Elings thinks so at least. Elings comes from a small Christian village where she grew up with the idea that change is always difficult. In her performance ‘Volg mij’, she asks you to literally follow her, in the hope that by doing so she can make change a slightly less scary word. The performance will take place at the Tapastheater, a unique mix of theatre and tapas bar in Amsterdam Oost. Buy your tickets on the theatre's site.
Comedy Walks in Vondelpark | € 21.50
As of Saturday 17 June | 15:00
Always wanted to take a tour of Amsterdam, but does a normal tour seem too boring? Then join one of the Comedy Walks every Saturday and Sunday in the city centre until the end of August. Guided by a comedian, you will take a hilarious walk of about an hour and a half, where you will get a funny and fresh look at the city. The walk usually starts on the Dam square and the comedians lead you past places you would not easily find on your own. Reserve a spot on the site.
Edible flowers in the city in Tolhuistuin | € 7.50
Saturday 17 June | 20:00
June is once again the Open Garden Days in Amsterdam, where you can enjoy the beautiful hidden gardens behind the city's canal houses. As part of the Open Garden Days, the Tolhuistuin is organising the 'edible flowers in the city' walk and workshop. You will get a lesson from two flower growers, after which you will walk as a group to the Kitchen Garden School. Here you will have the opportunity to smell, pick and taste flowers. After all, flowers can be a great addition to take your homemade dish to the next level. During this walk and course, you will learn which flowers you can and cannot eat, as some flowers are poisonous! Buy your ticket on the Tolhuistuin website.
The Complete Filmography of Wes Anderson at Lab111 | €11.50
Month of June | Times vary
In honour of renowned director Wes Anderson, you can see his complete filmography at Lab111 this month. Anderson is known for the unique visual style he brings to his films and his eye for detail. Perfect for both long-time fans who want to see all of his work again, including the just-released Asteroid City, and people who have yet to see any of Anderson's films. Whether you go for classic The Grand Budapest Hotel, animated film Fantastic Mr. Fox or the more recent The French Dispatch, there is something for everyone. Find movie times and tickets on Lab111's site.
