Voting with a soundtrack: Oorkaan Ensemble gives free concert at polling station

Voting with live music in the background: that is possible on Wednesday, March 18, in the Staatsliedenbuurt in Amsterdam-West. In cultural breeding place the Kempenaerstudio where Oorkaan is located, the Oorkaan Ensemble will give a free mini-concert for local residents who come to cast their vote at the polling station.

“Music company Oorkaan is celebrating a double anniversary this year: 25 years of Oorkaan and 5 years of Oorkaan Ensemble,” says artistic director Caecilia Thunnissen. “We want to treat our city and neighborhood to a musical gift, and most importantly emphasize how important it is for everyone to make their voices heard. Democracy cannot be taken for granted, and if we can use live music to entice people to go to the polling place, it's a celebration for everyone.”

The Oorkaan Ensemble plays two short concerts: from 12:40 to 1 p.m. and from 1:30 to 1:50 p.m. . The program includes music by Vivaldi, Ravel, Brahms, Beethoven and Takahashi, among others. The ensemble consists of Michele Mazzini (clarinet), Michela Zanoni (harp), Robbrecht Van Cauwenberghe (bajan) and Veysel Dzhesur (percussion). Especially for this occasion, guest violinist Valentine Blangé joins them. Together they will play music from the theatrical concert Tempo, which is currently on tour nationally and internationally. Location: Kempenaerstudio, de Kempenaerstraat 11b, Amsterdam-West.