Concert, Amsterdam

One place I always visit with great pleasure is the Concertgebouw. The building itsself is well known for its very good accoustics. But the reason I come here is of course to hear classical music played life. My musical tastes are rather ecclectic and classical music is one of them.

Dress Code: Classical music has the reputation that it is for stiff old people only and the dresscode accordingly. But one website stated that you are coming for the pleasure of hearing good music, how you dress is then not important.

Amsterdam has two major places for live music. Rock/pop music that is, I don't know much about classical music and even less about jazz.

There's Paradiso and there's De Melkweg. The fact that there was a time when I would travel anywhere for a good concert but was in Melkweg only once (and never in Paradiso) proves that either:

a. These places rarely stage anything interesting;
b. They do stage interesting acts but rarely anything that I can't see anywhere closer to my home;
c. I'm a stupid hippie who should be more interested in contemporary music rather than to wait for Gentle Giant to reform and listening to bands that my parents were supposed to listen to but I'm not and who aren't performing anymore anyway 'cause they're all too old and want to spend their time with their grandchildren.
(how's that for a sentence eh?)

Right. Actually my parents never were hippies and never listened to any music I listen to. They wouldn't know the difference between Frank Zappa and Cat Stevens, let alone that they know who Gentle Giant are/were.

One thing sucks about both places. They demand you to become a 'member' which merely means you don't only pay for your ticket, they'll let you pay an extra fee for 'membership' as well. This does mean you get a discount at further shows that year, but:

a. if you live far away from Amsterdam you won't easily benefit from this;
b. price for admission after the discount is usually as high or still higher as/than at other venues;
c. I'm a stupid hippie and chances at another interesting act that same year are very small.

Right?

Dress Code: Most acts probably sell t-shirts, don't they?

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In 1883 the construction for the Concertgebouw -Amsterdam's Concert Hall for classical music, designed by Adolf Leonard van Gendt- started. At the time the location was an empty polder. More than 2000 poles were used to give the foundations a solid anchor.

In 1888 the building was opened with music from Wagner, Händel, Bach and Beethoven.

From1985 till 1988 a new Main entrance was created at the J.W. Brouwersplein with a glass foyer designed by van Pi de Bruijn.

The performances are not limited to classical orchetra's; I've seen King Crimson And later Curved Air perform at the main hall. Many more popgroups have been there too.

Dress Code: Depends on the type of concert.

I love music! So therefore I love concerts. I rarely go to concerts in the UK because I find them pretty tame!

However, I've found concerts in Amsterdam do be absolutely brilliant! The 2 best concerts have been Busta Rhymes in the Heineken Music Hall, and De La Soul in The Melkweg.

The Heineken Music Hall seemed to hold about 3,000 people (you'd need to check for exact numbers). It has 2 Heienken bars in the hall itself, one along each side of the hall. Everybody was dancing and singing! Smoking Cannabis was allowed, and Busta & Spliff star saved a song for them to have one themselves along with a bottle of Courvoisier.

The Melkweg was a lot smaller, it only seemed about 800 people! But De La Soul rocked the show and it was fab! Once again there was a bar at the back of the hall and one down the right hand side. I asked the barman if I could roll a joint, which he answered if I'll share a bit with him, which I did gladly! This concert was absolutely banging!

Dress Code: There arent any special dress requirements, I'd just say dress appropriately for the type of artist you're going to.

Oh, one last thing don't be silly enough to carry anything that could be seen as a weapon because they do search you in the Heineken Music Hall. But they are only looking for weapons, as smoking cannabis is allowed (but this can always depend on the artist - they can ask for no smoking - rarely happens because they usually have a puff onstage themselves)

This is an awesome place to come for New Year. Ensure you have a ticket to get in (cost about 25 Euros!) and queue a little early to make sure you get a good spot!
Chilled music and a great atmosphere!!
The waiters serve to the table so you need never get up (unless to go to the toilets!!)
Def recommend going outside on the strike of midnight to see all the crazy fireworks!!

Dress Code: Anything goes! (Dress up warm if going outside at midnight - it aint hot!)

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The "Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ" opened in June 2005 and is the newest Musical concert hall in Amsterdam.

The building offers a great view onto the Amsterdam Waterfront.