Hortus Concerts Rotterdam 2026
September 26 & 27, 2026
Three special concerts at unique green locations in Rotterdam.
Choose your concert
Multiple DatesSat, Sep 26Buitenplaats RozenlustVan Milhauds visionaire muziek tot een nieuwe recompositie van Hans Koolmees.
Multiple DatesSun, Sep 27Buitenplaats RozenlustEen muzikale ontmoeting tussen Mondriaans idealen en hedendaagse klank.
Sat, Sep 26Westzeedijk 110 CAn intimate concert experience in which space and resonance become one.
About HortusConcerts Rotterdam
During HortusConcerten 2026, the DoelenEnsemble seeks stillness and imagination outside the traditional concert hall. In Rotterdam, three special programs will be presented in which nature, visual arts, early jazz, contemporary chamber music, and new composition meet.
In *De Profetische Klank van Mondriaan* , Piet Mondriaan takes center stage as both an artist and a progressive thinker on music. Narrator Vincent Bijlo guides the audience through his ideas on abstraction, innovation, and the future of electronic music. In *Van Wereldschepping tot Wereldpremière*, Darius Milhaud’s vibrant *La création du monde* is performed alongside a new composition by Rotterdam composer Hans Koolmees . Both concerts take place at the beautiful Buitenplaats Rozenlust in Rotterdam. Additionally, *Resonantie in het Zout* is an intimate lying-down or seated concert in a salt crystal room, where singing bowls, space, and resonance converge into a meditative listening experience.
Vincent Bijlo
Writer, cabaret performer, and music lover Vincent Bijlo is associated with the HortusConcerts this year. With his keen eye, flair for language, and unique way of listening, he adds an extra dimension to the DoelenEnsemble 's concerts. His involvement aligns with the ensemble's approach to classical and contemporary music: curious, accessible, and with room for diverse perspectives. During the HortusConcerts, Bijlo connects the music and the stories surrounding it with his own observations and experiences, making the concerts not only something to listen to, but also something to reflect upon and experience together.
Hans Koolmees
Composer Hans Koolmees has been associated with the DoelenEnsemble for many years and plays an important role in the artistic development of the ensemble. His music moves between various styles and worlds, thus aligning well with the curious and multifaceted programming of the HortusConcerts. During this edition , Koolmees is not only present as a composer, but his work also forms an important link between the music, the unique location, and the stories that converge during the concerts. His compositions invite you to listen differently and discover new connections.
The ensemble
Maarten van Veen
Pianist Maarten van Veen is the artistic director of the DoelenEnsemble and a regular fixture in the ensemble's concerts. His broad musical interests range from classical music to contemporary repertoire and new, experimental forms. Driven by this curiosity, he constantly seeks unique collaborations and ways to present music in a new context. This attitude is also strongly reflected in the HortusConcerts.
Viola
Viola is an Italian musician from Florence with a great love for chamber music and orchestral music. Since 2022, she has been traveling between the Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, France, and other European countries to play, collaborate, and gain new musical experiences. In addition to classical music, she enjoys balfolk, traveling, and discovering other cultures.
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Lluisa Paredes
Cellist Lluïsa Paredes hails from Catalonia and has been playing the cello since she was seven. She grew up in a small village and took her cello with her on her musical journey through Europe. Her musical interests range from Renaissance music to contemporary music – from one extreme to the other. That versatility fits well with the broad musical world of the DoelenEnsemble .
Jakov Shaldov
Percussionist Jakov Shaldov was born in Riga and studies at Codarts Rotterdam. He has already won several prizes in Latvia and Spain and has performed in the Netherlands with the Residentie Orkest and the Royal Netherlands Marine Band, among others. As a member of Mallet Collective, he brings his experience with marimba and percussion to the DoelenEnsemble .
Lluisa Paredes
Cellist Lluïsa Paredes hails from Catalonia and has been playing the cello since she was seven. She grew up in a small village and took her cello with her on her musical journey through Europe. Her musical interests range from Renaissance music to contemporary music – from one extreme to the other. That versatility fits well with the broad musical world of the DoelenEnsemble .
Jakov Shaldov
Percussionist Jakov Shaldov was born in Riga and studies at Codarts Rotterdam. He has already won several prizes in Latvia and Spain and has performed in the Netherlands with the Residentie Orkest and the Royal Netherlands Marine Band, among others. As a member of Mallet Collective, he brings his experience with marimba and percussion to the DoelenEnsemble .
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FAQ
Where do the HortusConcerten take place?
The HortusConcerten take place at unique locations in Rotterdam. In 2026, these are Buitenplaats Rozenlust and a special salt crystal chamber on Westzeedijk.
When are the HortusConcerten?
The HortusConcerten 2026 take place on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September. There are several programmes spread across the two days.
What kind of music will be performed?
The DoelenEnsemble presents a varied programme of classical and contemporary music. Each programme has its own character, bringing together music, stories and the unique surroundings in a different way.
How long does a concert last?
A concert lasts approximately one hour, including any introductions or other parts of the programme.
Do I need to know classical music to attend the HortusConcerten?
No. You don't need any prior knowledge of classical music. The HortusConcerten are designed as an accessible way to experience music. The unique locations, stories and introductions offer different ways to discover and engage with the music.
Can I park my bicycle or car at the locations?
There are various options for reaching the locations by bicycle or public transport.
Are the locations accessible to people with disabilities?
We aim to make the HortusConcerten as accessible as possible. As the concerts take place at unique locations, accessibility may vary from one location to another. If you have any questions, please contact us in advance.
Can I cancel or change my ticket?
Yes, this is possible.
Are there different ticket prices?
Yes. Tickets range from €5 to €35.
Can I use a Rotterdampas?
Yes.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets are available through the DoelenEnsemble ticket page or via the button below.
Who organises the HortusConcerten?
The HortusConcerten are organised by the DoelenEnsemble, a Rotterdam-based ensemble focusing on classical and contemporary music. The ensemble enjoys exploring unique locations, new collaborations and different ways of experiencing music.
I have another question. Who can I contact?
Can't find the answer to your question? Contact the DoelenEnsemble at prdoelenensemble@gmail.com. We're happy to help.