APO X CONCERTGEBOUW AMSTERDAM
On 25 May 2026, the Antwerp Philharmonic Orchestra reached a special milestone: for the very first time, the orchestra took to the stage of the Main Hall of the Concertgebouw Amsterdam, one of the world’s most renowned concert halls.
A milestone for the orchestra
Under the baton of chief conductor Alexandra Arrieche, the 72-piece orchestra presented an evening that perfectly reflected its musical versatility. The first half of the programme featured symphonic arrangements of music by The Beatles and The Beach Boys, followed after the interval by the Dutch premiere of The Focus Symphony, built around the music of legendary Dutch progressive rock band Focus. The evening was hosted by Dominic Seldis.
Performing at the Concertgebouw marked an important moment in the history of the Antwerp Philharmonic Orchestra. Over the years, the orchestra has performed in concert halls and arenas across Belgium and beyond, building a reputation for moving effortlessly between classical repertoire and contemporary music.
That versatility was at the heart of the Amsterdam concert. From the timeless melodies of The Beatles and The Beach Boys to the progressive rock of Focus, the programme demonstrated how familiar music can take on an entirely new dimension when performed by a full symphony orchestra.
For an orchestra with more than three decades of history, making its debut on one of classical music’s most iconic stages was a moment to remember.
The evening also supported an important cause. Proceeds from the concert went to the Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology in Utrecht, combining a musical milestone with a meaningful contribution.
The Antwerp Philharmonic Orchestra’s first appearance at the Concertgebouw Amsterdam became an evening that celebrated everything the orchestra stands for: musical craftsmanship, versatility and the ambition to bring symphonic music to audiences in many different forms.
A first performance in the Concertgebouw — and certainly one to look back on with pride.