A Festive Christmas Concert by the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra
Christmas by Candlelight: the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra and the National Mixed Youth Choir
Netherlands Chamber Orchestra
National Mixed Youth Choir
Kristian Bezuidenhout, director & harpsichord
Every year the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra celebrates the season with its much-loved Christmas concert. This year's program features works by Purcell, Handel, Bach, and more, with Kristian Bezuidenhout at the helm and the voices of the National Mixed Youth Choir alongside the orchestra.
The choir unites some of the most promising young singers in the country, while Bezuidenhout makes his first appearance with the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra. Renowned as a fortepianist and harpsichordist, he is an authority on Baroque music and has more recently been drawing attention as a conductor as well.
The title "Christmas by Candlelight" is my own invention to set it apart from the original; if there are no candles at the concert, "A Baroque Christmas" works just as well.
A Festive Christmas Concert by the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra
Netherlands Chamber Orchestra
Kristian Bezuidenhout, director & harpsichord
At this year's traditional annual Christmas concert of the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, you can enjoy music by Purcell, Handel, Bach, and others, led by Kristian Bezuidenhout and performed together with the National Mixed Youth Choir.
The National Mixed Youth Choir brings together the very best in young vocal talent, and the musical direction is in the hands of Kristian Bezuidenhout, who makes his debut with the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra. A fortepianist and harpsichordist, he is a Baroque specialist who in recent years has also been making a name for himself as a conductor.
"Netherlands Chamber Orchestra" is the orchestra's own English name. For the choir I used a literal translation; if the choir uses an official English name on its website, it is better to use that one, or to keep the Dutch name "Nationaal Gemengd Jeugdkoor".
A Festive Christmas Concert by the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra
Netherlands Chamber Orchestra
National Mixed Youth Choir
Kristian Bezuidenhout, director & harpsichord
The Netherlands Chamber Orchestra's Christmas concert has become a cherished tradition, and this season it takes on a Baroque glow. Kristian Bezuidenhout directs a program built around Purcell, Handel, Bach, and others, joined on stage by the National Mixed Youth Choir.
The choir brings together the finest young singers in the Netherlands, and the evening also marks a first: Bezuidenhout's debut with the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra. Celebrated at the fortepiano and the harpsichord and widely respected for his knowledge of Baroque music, he has in recent years been making his mark as a conductor too.
Christmas Concert National Choirs
On the eve of winter break, the young singers of the National Choirs dive into a program of beloved holiday repertoire. Christmas favorites such as Jingle Bell Rock and White Christmas sit side by side with medieval songs and choral works by Britten and Poulenc. All four choirs of the National Choirs, former ensemble in residence at TivoliVredenburg, come together for a celebration full of familiar music.
National Choirs
The National Choirs take young vocal talent between the ages of 6 and 29 under their wing. They see themselves as the national youth team of classical singing. The institute scouts, mentors, and trains its singers, and we have seen before that all this investment leads to world-class concerts. In the 2021-2022 season, the National Choirs were ensemble in residence at TivoliVredenburg.
From the Very Youngest Up
The National Choirs consist of four divisions: the National Children's Choir, the National Boys' Choir, the National Women's Youth Choir, and the National Mixed Youth Choir. Tonight all four choirs take the stage under the direction of Irene Verburg and László Norbert Nemes. Together they form the passionate artistic leadership team, coaching and conducting the children and young singers.
A few choices worth knowing: "Jong Oranje" is the Dutch national youth soccer team, which means nothing to an American reader, so I translated the idea rather than the name. "Schoolvakantie" became "winter break", the usual American term for the Christmas holidays. The choir names are literal translations; if the Nationale Koren use official English names on their website, those are preferable.
American Songbook in De Alkenaer
On 27 May, Louise and Ramon perform in a hidden salon behind an antiquarian bookshop on the Ritsevoort, in a house that has watched five centuries of Alkmaar go by.
Mike Fentross
Louise Jones joins lutenist and conductor Mike Fentross for a concert on 27 June 2027. More information will follow soon.
Concertgebouworchestra & Joe Hisaishi filmmusic
On October 2 and 4, 2026 (a Friday and a Sunday), Joe Hisaishi takes the stage as composer and conductor for an evening devoted to his celebrated film scores. At the heart of the program is his music for the enchanting Studio Ghibli classics by master animator Hayao Miyazaki, among them Spirited Away, Ponyo, and Howl's Moving Castle, accompanied by scenes from the films projected on a large screen. Hisaishi also brings music from his collaborations with acclaimed director Takeshi Kitano, with highlights from award-winning films such as Hana-bi (Fireworks) and Kids Return, along with much more. Audiences will have the rare chance to experience Hisaishi in person, both on the podium and at the piano. It marks the first time he leads the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, and a special opportunity to hear his magical music performed live together with images from Studio Ghibli.
Concertgebouworkest presenteert Classics Live
With Classics Live, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra brings a grand program full of recognition and emotion to the Ziggo Dome. From the very first note to the final applause, you will experience an evening of the most beloved classical hits. Music you recognize, music that moves you, and music that stays with you long after. Performed by one of the finest orchestras in the world, made up of 120 outstanding musicians. With Dominic Seldis as host, Classics Live becomes all the more captivating, for connoisseurs and newcomers alike. In his own accessible way, the energetic double bassist takes you through the stories behind the music the orchestra performs.
The program features some of the great highlights of classical music, with a magnificent finale in the form of Beethoven's complete Ninth Symphony, a monument in the history of music. Its world-famous finale with chorus and soloists is a vision of unity and equality, a message that has brought people together all over the world for two centuries. When the chorus begins to sing "Alle Menschen werden Brüder," that vision becomes reality in the Ziggo Dome. Everyone who wishes to can sing along! Thousands of voices come together in an unprecedented moment of energy, connection, and pure musical power. Experience Classics Live with:
Mikhail Glinka - Overture to Ruslan and Lyudmila
Edvard Grieg - Morning Mood from Peer Gynt
Johannes Brahms - Hungarian Dance No. 5 (arr. Parlow-Jansons)
Giuseppe Verdi - "Va, pensiero" from the opera Nabucco ("Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves")
Gioachino Rossini - William Tell Overture
Ludwig van Beethoven - Symphony No. 9 in D minor
Concertgebouworchestra & Joe Hisaishi filmmusic
On Friday, October 2, and Sunday, October 4, 2026, composer and conductor Joe Hisaishi leads a selection of his acclaimed film music. The program includes the music he wrote for the magical Studio Ghibli films of legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, such as Spirited Away, Ponyo, and Howl's Moving Castle, complete with film clips on the big screen. Joe Hisaishi also conducts a selection from his scores for the award-winning films of celebrated director Takeshi Kitano, including Hana-bi (Fireworks) and Kids Return, and much more. This concert offers a rare opportunity to see and hear Joe Hisaishi at work as both conductor and pianist. His appearance on the podium of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra is a first in itself, and it offers a unique chance to hear his enchanting film music live alongside footage from Studio Ghibli.
Lyric Opera Studio Weimar
Louise accepted to Lyric Opera Studio Weimar, a leading European summer opera program for young professional singers.
Masterclass by Ton Koopman
Ton Koopman, Dutch Baroque expert and Bach authority. Louise and the singers of De Tuin attend his masterclass
Music from the Heart
Music from the Heart, a poetic recital with soprano Louise Jones and pianist Ramon van Engelenhoven, featuring arias and songs about love, longing and memory
Opera Scenes Recital
In Manhattan School of Music’s Performance Class Opera scenes Recital (Greenfield Hall), Louise will sing Ständchen Op. 135 by Schubert, as well as the role of Amina from Bellini’s opera La Sonnambula.
20th annual International Students Concert
For the 20th annual International Students Concert at Manhattan School of Music, Louise will perform a Dutch piece titled Vaarwell, written by composer and peer student Vincent Bos.
St Matthew Passion
J.S. Bach St Matthew Passion with the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, René Jacobs, international soloists and national youth choirs.
St Matthew Passion
Bach’s St Matthew Passion performed by the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra with youth choirs, conducted by René Jacobs and leading international soloists.
St Matthew Passion
J.S. Bach St Matthew Passion with the Netherlands Chamber Orchestra, René Jacobs, international soloists and national youth choirs.
Scotland - An Crubh - Isle of Skye
Experience a beautiful Baroque concert on 7 March at An Crùbh, Isle of Skye, featuring soprano Louise Jones with countertenor Rob Petri, organist Gerard Leegwater and the famous Alison McGillivray. An unforgettable evening of timeless music.
Messe de Noël
A Baroque French Christmas and a South American Christmas combined.
Conductor - Adrián Rodríguez van der Spoel
Messe de Noël
A Baroque French Christmas and a South American Christmas combined.
Conductor - Adrián Rodríguez van der Spoel
Christmas concert
On 21 December 2025, Louise joins an ensemble of distinguished musicians for a festive Christmas concert in the historic Oosterkerk in Hoorn. The programme features beautiful selections from Handel’s Messiah, followed by well-loved traditional Christmas carols. A warm and atmospheric afternoon full of music, candlelight and holiday spirit. Concert starts at 15:00.
Messe de Noël
A Baroque French Christmas and a South American Christmas combined.
Conductor - Adrián Rodríguez van der Spoel
Messe de Noël
A Baroque French Christmas and a South American Christmas combined.
Conductor - Adrián Rodríguez van der Spoel
Messe de Noël
A Baroque French Christmas and a South American Christmas combined.
Conductor - Adrián Rodríguez van der Spoel
The Salon
The Salon Manhattan is a student-run project that provides a select group of students with more performance opportunities. The group focuses on enlivening their own ideas and artistic views on a variety of opera scenes from Mozart to Donizetti.
New York City Orchestra Project
The New York City Orchestra Project (NYCOP) is a recently established nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the gap between student and professional musical life.
Performance Class Recital
Together with her peers at Manhattan School of Music, Louise will give an art song recital. The concert will be at Greenfield Hall at the Manhattan School of Music. She will be singing ‘Villanelle’ from ‘Les nuits d’été’ by Berlioz.
Mozarts Requiem
PRJCT Amsterdam & Nationaal Jeugdkoor
Lenneke Ruiten, Sopraan
Maarten Engeltjes, Alto
Fabio Trümphy, Tenor
Jasurbek Kadhiarov, Bass
Maarten Engeltjes, Alto & direction
Hemelse Duetten
Three musicians, connected in a remarkable way, present a concert featuring some of the most beautiful duets by Fauré, Bach, Pergolesi, Purcell, and Monteverdi. Together with Rob Petri and Gerard Leegwater, Louise will bring Heavenly Duets, on the 6th and 7th of august.
Hemelse Duetten
Three musicians, connected in a remarkable way, present a concert featuring some of the most beautiful duets by Fauré, Bach, Pergolesi, Purcell, and Monteverdi. Together with Rob Petri and Gerard Leegwater, Louise will bring Heavenly Duets, on the 6th and 7th of august.
Summer concert
With the National Mixed Youth Choir conducted by Laszlo Nemes and Irene Verburg.
First- and Second-Year Vocal Performance Class Recitals
On April 16, 2025, students at the Manhattan School of Music held a concert at Greenfield Hall. All students in this performance were recipients of the William Randolph Hearst Scolarship. The concert was presented under the guidance of Mary Dunleavy and Eric Sedgwick (piano). Louise performed ‘Nous sommes assaillis’ from Cendrillon by Pauline Viardot together with Yangjinwa Guo and Elizabeth Osborne. She also sang the duet ‘Bleibt stehn, bleibt stehn!’ from Hänsel und Gretel by Humperdinck with Huiyan Wang. The concert concluded with ‘You'll Never Walk Alone’ from Carousel by R. Rodgers and O. Hammerstein.