DoelenEnsemble and Young DoelenEnsemble: A life in a day

Contemporary classical music takes centre stage at de Doelen on Saturday 14 November 2026 as the DoelenEnsemble and Young DoelenEnsemble join forces for A Life in a Day. Featuring compositions by Edward Top, Joey Roukens and Max Richter, the concert explores time, change and the relationship between classical traditions and modern musical ideas.

The programme opens with A Life in a Day by Rotterdam-based composer Edward Top. Structured around four moments of the day, morning, afternoon, evening and night, the composition uses the passage of time as a metaphor for the different stages of human life.

Joey Roukens' Visions at Sea follows, continuing the concert's focus on composers connected to Rotterdam's contemporary music scene. Roukens is known for combining influences from classical music with elements of popular culture, creating compositions that move between energetic rhythms and expressive melodies.

Vivaldi meets Max Richter

The evening concludes with Max Richter's Vivaldi's The Four Seasons Recomposed, a contemporary interpretation of one of the most recognisable works in classical music.

Rather than simply rearranging Vivaldi's original concertos, Richter reimagines their musical material, bringing certain melodies into focus while introducing new textures, rhythms and harmonies. The result creates a fascinating dialogue between Baroque music and contemporary composition.

The concert is conducted by Maarten van Veen, with violinist Shannon Lee as soloist. Bringing together established performers and younger musicians, the programme also reflects the DoelenEnsemble's commitment to introducing new generations to contemporary classical music.

Programme

• Edward Top: A Life in a Day
• Joey Roukens: Visions at Sea
• Max Richter: Vivaldi's The Four Seasons Recomposed

Tickets and practical information

The concert takes place in the Jurriaanse Zaal at de Doelen, Schouwburgplein 50, Rotterdam, on Saturday 14 November 2026 at 20:15.

Regular tickets cost between €29 and €39, with discounted tickets costing €16 available for visitors aged 30 and under in selected seating categories. Prices include service charges.

For tickets and further information, visit the official de Doelen event page.