A celebration of queerness in classical music
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Wed 23 Jul 202520:15 - 21:35Grote Zaal
Program
Pjotr Tsjaikovski Pezzo elegiaco from Pianotrio in A minor
Camille Saint-Saëns The Swan from Le Carnaval des animaux
Henry Purcell The Cold Song from King Arthur
Harry Bannink/Annie M.G. Schmidt Sorry dat ik besta
BillyStrayhorn Lush Life
And music by Julius Eastman, Meredith Monk, Nico Muly and others
Credits
Bas Treub violin
Kalle de Bie cello
Seán Morgan-Rooney piano
Vincenzo Turiano dance
Marc Alberto presentation, saxophone
Rikkert van Huisstede presentation, vocals
Ahead of Pride 2025, the bold musical collective LUDWIG and the theatre movement Boys Won’t Be Boys shed new light on the classical repertoire. In a unique programme about masculinity, sexuality and identity, they reveal a queer history that lies hidden in well-known classical compositions. A joyful blend of classical music, cabaret, dance, and spoken word featuring personal, poignant and relatable stories from composers and the performers.
Since 2018, Boys Won’t Be Boys has been challenging gender norms. They use personal stories to shake up entrenched ideas and create space for different perspectives and mutual connection. Together with LUDWIG, they expand musical horizons and defy traditional norms with music by Schubert, Nico Muhly, Billie Strayhorn, Harry Bannink and many others – a unifying program that is impactful, surprises and offers a fresh perspective on classical pieces.
