Matthäus-Passion 2025

Mendelssohn en Mozart

Binnenkort te beluisteren in de concertzaal

Onze concerten

Al onze concerten op een rij:

Rotterdams Philharmonisch Orkest

Om te blijven doen wat wij doen is steun nodig. Van iedereen die het orkest een warm hart toedraagt. Dat gaat zeker niet alleen om grote gebaren, ieder bedrag telt.

Om te blijven doen wat wij doen is steun nodig. Van iedereen die het orkest een warm hart toedraagt. Dat gaat zeker niet alleen om grote gebaren, ieder bedrag telt.

Dit orkest is van iedereen

Voor iedereen van 4 tot 104 jaar: het leukste uitje voor jong en oud!

Voor iedereen van 4 tot 104 jaar: het leukste uitje voor jong en oud!

Kindervoorstellingen

Lezen, luisteren en bekijken: laat u verwonderen door het Rotterdams Philharmonisch Orkest!

News & Wonder

Onze concertseries bieden een selectie uit het brede aanbod van seizoen 2025-2026, met een aantrekkelijke korting ten opzichte van de prijs voor losse kaarten.

Concertseries

Zo'n 3.000 betrokken Vrienden zetten zich in voor het temperamentvolle en avontuurlijke Rotterdams Philharmonisch Orkest.

Vrienden van het Orkest

Concerttoelichting

Concertpodcast

Het ultieme meesterwerk over liefde, verlies en troost: muziek van tijdloze, universele zeggingskracht.

over de Matthäus-Passion

Publiek

De uitvoering van de Matthäus-Passion met het Rotterdams Philharmonisch orkest is een krachtige en ontroerende ervaring die zeker de moeite waard is om bij te wonen.

Yuja Wang plays Ligeti

A cosmic dance by Yuja Wang where  she shines with Ligeti’s sparkling piano concerto.

on Yuja Wang

De Volkskrant

If Yuja Wang isn’t the most virtuosic pianist on earth, she is certainly the most sensational.

Informatie over kaarten bestellen en kortingen

Bestelinformatie

Mendelssohn and Mozart

Banned repertoire during the occupation years with the music of Mendelssohn and Mozart.

on the piece De theorie van alles

The National Opera & Ballet

With her playful compositions Carlijn Metselaar creates a colourful sonic landscape.

<h2>Wie is Fazil Say?</h2>
Beleef in 2025 een muzikaal hoogtepunt wanneer de wereldberoemde pianist <a href="https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fazıl_Say" target="_blank">Fazil Say</a> zijn opwachting maakt met een bijzonder concert. Deze Turkse meesterpianist staat bekend om zijn uitzonderlijke virtuositeit, persoonlijke interpretaties en onmiskenbare charisma. Zijn optredens zijn niet zomaar concerten, maar diep doorleefde muzikale ervaringen waarin emotie en vakmanschap samenkomen.
Geboren in Ankara in 1970, ontwikkelde Say zich al op jonge leeftijd tot een muzikaal wonderkind. Zijn studie aan onder andere het Robert Schumann Instituut in Düsseldorf vormde de basis voor een indrukwekkende internationale carrière. Sinds zijn doorbraak in de jaren '90 is hij een graag geziene gast op de grootste podia ter wereld, waar hij zowel klassiek repertoire als eigen composities uitvoert. Zijn muziek is een unieke samensmelting van oosterse en westerse invloeden.
Wie Fazil Say in 2025 live hoort spelen, mag zich verheugen op een avond waarin bekende meesterwerken en verrassende nieuwe klanken elkaar afwisselen. Zijn recente opname van Bachs Goldbergvariaties toont opnieuw zijn vermogen om klassieke werken te benaderen met verfrissende diepgang en poëtische kracht. Of hij nu een subtiele Chopin speelt of een energiek eigen werk, Say weet altijd te raken.
Een concert van Fazil Say in 2025 is meer dan een voorstelling; het is een kans om een levende legende van dichtbij mee te maken.&nbsp;

Wie is Fazil Say?

Lees meer

Verboden repertoire tijdens de bezettingsjaren met de muziek van Mendelssohn en Mozart.

over Fazil Say

Fazil Say is zo'n figuur van wie de klassieke muziek er wel wat meer zou kunnen gebruiken.

Trailer

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone™ in Concert

Beleef de magie van Harry Potter™ in de concertzaal: filmvertoning met live muziek door een groot orkest.

Trouw

Je krijgt de live-beleving die je normaal alleen bij toneel of een concert ervaart. Het komt heel dichtbij.

Explore the creators of wonder

Maak kennis met de mensen achter de magie

The pre-concert activities for The Nutcracker start at 12 pm and 1.45 pm. Make sure you do not miss it! You can craft a Winterwonderland christmas card there and you can get your face painted. You can also participate in the instrument parade and play on a violin or one of the other instruments. The children's orchestra is responsible for the wonderful music during the pre-concert activities!

Join our pre-concert activities

The Nutcracker (4+)

A fun day out in Rotterdam with kids
A magical time is dawning at the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. The moment you step into de Doelen this Christmas holiday, you’ll forget about the frosty winter cold outside. This year, we have prepared a true Christmas piece, bringing an unforgettable experience for the whole family! The Nutcracker music does not leave anyone indifferent, no matter the age of a listener.&nbsp;
During our family performances, de Doelen is transformed into a children's paradise. You see cheerfully painted faces, kids making arts and crafts and you’ll hear the different instruments play. The pre-concert activities have something for everyone: from the curious teenagers to the smallest members of the family. Even before you walk into de Grote Zaal together, everyone is already in the Christmas mood. An afternoon filled with cheerfulness, a live music concert of an iconic Christmas classic and a new Christmas tradition for young and old is born!&nbsp;

Journey to a fairy-tale world of snow, candy and enchanting dances.

Visitor

They have watched breathlessly and are still talking about Clara and the Nutcracker!

Steun ons

Vonken doet vlammen

Get to know our newest talents.

Presentation New Academists

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ Part 2 in Concert

Yannick dirigeert Bruckner

Yannick brengt Bruckner terug naar het Rotterdams Philharmonisch; wees voorbereid op een wonder.

over Yannick Nézet-Séguin

In de eerste akte viel direct op hoe gretig en welwillend de musici op zijn wenken reageerden, hoe één rollende rugspier de hele groep altviolen meteen steviger in de snaar deed grijpen

Babar in the zoo (4+)

Tag along on an adventure in de Doelen Zoo with our ele-friend Babar!

The children watched breathlessly and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Programme notes

Daniil Trifonov plays Mason Bates

All hell breaks loose in this concert with new music by Bates and Roukens, two of the most compelling modern-day composers.

The Times

Without a doubt the most stunning pianist of our time

Visit our pre-concert activities!

Apollo

A performance about exploring boundaries, working together and rising above yourself.

Download the programme notes for this concert below.

Tchaikovsky with Simone Lamsma

Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto and Heartwarming Winter Dreams Symphony

Trouw about Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto by Simone Lamsma

Sing along with Apennoten Klassiek

Programme Notes

The Nutcracker

The musical palette is very bright and full of strong, memorable tunes. Tchaikovsky tried to make the music for The Nutcracker expressive and subtle. You will want to join the dance under the bewitching tunes of the well-known Waltz of the Flowers or feel real magic at the lyrical and dramatic culmination of the dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Cavalier. We could go on about the magnificence of The Nutcracker, but in this case it’s not the picture that is worth a thousand words but the music! Celebrate the holiday season with the biggest classical Christmas hit of all times.
<h4>An unforgettable Christmas in Rotterdam</h4>
Wondering what to do during Christmas time? Take a break from glühwein and Christmas shopping to embrace your festive mood with Tchaikovsky’s iconic music! On a cold December evening, no music warms you better than The Nutcracker. After Christmas markets and ice skating, a live orchestra concert can be a true highlight of the evening. Bring your significant other, friends, or family to Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra to dive into Tchaikovsky’s wonderful world together!

The biggest classical Christmas hit of all times in a glorious complete performance.

In The Nutcracker you hear Tchaikovsky at his best: captivating melodies as well as symphonic intensity.

Rufus Wainwright

A voice that carries over mountains and valleys on windless days, simply demands the accompaniment of a large orchestra.

Dvořák and Bartók

Vilde Frang enchants in Bartók’s Second Violin Concerto, followed by the next marvel: Dvořák’s radiant Eighth Symphony.

on Vilde Frang

Gramophone

From the tiniest whisper to the boldest declamation, every nuance emerges with total conviction.

Go West!

Bluegrass, mambo, swing and a touch of Hollywood sentiment while enjoying a special cocktail! With an after concert party by the New Rotterdam Jazz Orchestra. Everyone on the dance floor!

Largely occupied, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra is a wonderful beast.

Warm, melancholic, and full of expression – the cello touches something words often cannot capture. This season, the instrument shines in three masterpieces, performed by gifted cellists. Discover the most beautiful cello concerts of 2025 & 2026.

Cello Concerts in 2025 & 2026

During the performance everyone, big and small, can sing along and dance with the orchestra and Freek, here you can practice: Are you participating?
De liefste wens - song
<a href="https://youtu.be/VqA2hnuZhkg">https://youtu.be/VqA2hnuZhkg</a>
De kakkerlak - dance
<a href="https://youtu.be/eFkIiOeq6KQ">https://youtu.be/eFkIiOeq6KQ</a>

Sing & dance along! 

The dearest wish (6+)

Toon Tellegen and Corrie van Binsbergen wrote a musical story about wishes, dreams and deep desires.

De Theaterkrant about Corrie van Binsbergen with Toon Tellegen

Meer informatie over het beëindigen van onze samenwerking met Valery Gergiev en het Gergiev Festival

Valery Gergiev

<ul>
<li>Included in the ticket price is a small breakfast: coffee/tea, fresh orange juice, a croissant, fresh fruit and a varying breakfast item.</li>
<li>You are welcome to enjoy the breakfast from 9.15 am.</li>
<li>Access to both breakfast and concert is via the Jurriaanse entrance (Kruisplein 30). The main entrance (Schouwburgplein 50) cannot be used for this concert.</li>
</ul>

Extra information about admission and the included breakfast

Music for Breakfast: English Breakfast Light

Begin the day in leisurely fashion, enjoy a delicious breakfast and lovely music. An hour of pure gold for you and for each other on Sunday morning. Treat yourself to a musical breakfast put together by musicians of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra: After you have enjoyed a delicious Sunday morning breakfast, they will lull you with calming Sunday morning music, as well as wake you with espresso shots of new music. Music for Breakfast – it promises to be an hour of pure magic!

The performance was beautiful, the presentation added extra listening pleasure: I enjoyed it from start to finish!

Documentary Das Rheingold

Na afloop van het concert is er een korte Q&amp;A&nbsp;met regisseur Christiaan van Schermbeek, en een glas bubbels.

Trifonov plays Brahms

He made you listen to the music with new ears,’ Lahav Shani recalls of the first time Daniil Trifonov played Brahms with our orchestra. Now, he returns to us.

on Daniil Trifonov

The Guardian

Trifonov's performance was exquisite. The cadenza was uniquely expressive. It was an absolute privilege to see and hear him play.

RPhO x YMP - Outlaw

Y.M.P: SEV7N 

SEV7N is about mourning, collective mourning… Today the world is in a state where we look more at what makes us different than what our common denominator is. Part of society did not survive the corona period. In a world where social contact is becoming less and less, connection is the best solution. SEV7N is a crossover between hip-hop, classical music, spoken word and visual images. It's 2023 and the world is polarizing more than ever, music connects us.

In a world where social contact is becoming less and less, connection is the best solution.

Visitor concert To be

It took some getting used to hearing classical and hip-hop together, as far as I'm concerned it's been a success and it tastes like more.

Simone Lamsma plays Brahms

Brahms’ Violin Concerto, a fluttering ode to summer’s natural beauty.

on Simone Lamsma

Driving runs. Long ecstatic lines. Feather-light scribbles or dramatically full-bodied strokes on the string: Lamsma switched expressive registers at lightning speed.

Veelgestelde vragen

Concerten in deze serie

Verwen uzelf met een aantrekkelijke serie van vijf concerten op de zondagmiddag.
Joséphine Olech (fluit) over deze serie “Ik ben dol op de muziek van Toru Takemitsu en ik vind het geweldig dat hij dit seizoen op het programma staat. Zijn composities zijn sfeervol en betoverend – alsof je in een droomwereld belandt. Zijn lichte orkestraties doen denken aan de Franse traditie, dus het is fantastisch om Berlioz' Symphonie fantastique in hetzelfde programma te spelen.”

Zondagmatinee A

De mooiste afsluiting van de week

Prijzen

Voordelen van een serie

Brahms 4 met Yannick Nézet-Séguin

Een muzikale erfenis: Hoe Dvořák's steun van Brahms leidde tot de opkomst van Florence Price's fonkelende vioolconcert.

St Matthew Passion

Also this season, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra returns to tell the Easter story through one of the greatest classical works of all time: the St Matthew Passion, also known as Matthäus-Passion, by Johannes Sebastian Bach. The St Matthew Passion was first performed on Good Friday in 1727 and became an important tradition during Easter. This religious celebration of Easter is a true dichotomy between death and life, end and beginning, sorrow and joy.
<h3>The birth of tradition</h3>
A powerful 3-hour masterpiece tells the story of the last days of Christ's life, performed by solo voices, a double orchestra, and a double choir. This special music leaves no one indifferent. Feelings of love, loss and togetherness are important themes.
&nbsp;In 1870 the St Matthew Passion made its debut in Rotterdam. Due to the great interest in this piece, more performances followed throughout the country. Eventually, the St Matthew Passion on Good Friday became an annual tradition. Even now, after more than 150 years, the St. Matthew Passion is well attended. Everyone knows this masterpiece, regardless of interest in classical music. The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra is happy to continue this longstanding tradition.&nbsp;
<h3>A story behind the piece</h3>
Johann Sebastian Bach wrote the St Matthew Passion during his long tenure as conductor of church music and cantor of the school at Thomaskirch in Leipzig. This late baroque oratorio aimed to present the passion story in music during the vespers services on Good Friday. After its great success, this piece was performed several times during the composer's lifetime. Originally, Bach composed five passions, but only music for St. John and St. Matthew has survived to this day. Don't miss the chance to experience the best of the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra's Matthäus-Passion tradition!

Bach specialist John Butt takes the listener on a journey through time to the Leipzig of 1727.

Visitor St Matthew Passion 2023

The performance of the St Matthew Passion with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra is a powerful and moving experience that is definitely worth attending.

St Matthew Passion 2022

After two years of waiting, an integral performance with an audience

More than twenty years, Johannes Brahms toiled in silence on his First Symphony. Simply good was not good enough for him—his symphony had to withstand comparison with Beethoven’s nine. It took blood, sweat, and tears, but in the end, he succeeded.

Johannes Brahms: who was he?

Herdenkingsconcert 2025

Precies 85 jaar na het verwoestende bombardement herdenken we de verwoesting en de wederopbouw van Rotterdam.

Eroica Symphony with Han-Na Chang

Beethoven unleashes a revolution, Prokofiev puts the clock back two centuries: a concert involving musical time travel.

The Guardian about Han-Na Chang

Ferocious drive... but also a beautiful, honeyed introspection.

Music for Breakfast: Shepherds and Witchcraft

The Planets

A powerful orchestral imagination of our solar system, conducted by our principal guest conductor Tarmo Peltokoski.

on the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra

The Theaterkrant

They take you on a journey through the universe.

Anders als die Andern

A theatrical concert by queer conductor Manoj Kamps together with drag queen Ma’MaQueen and tenor Freddie Ballentine.

Het Requiem van Fauré

Een zoektocht naar verlossing in een verstild slot van hemelse schoonheid.

Peruvian composer Jimmy López Bellido’s works are performed everywhere across the globe. His trombone concert Shift, which was specifically written for Jörgen van Rijen, will be premiered on June 14th in Rotterdam.

Jimmy López Bellido takes us to an explosion of sound

Yannick: Wagner and Schumann

Wagner’s intimate Siegfried Idyll, Mendelssohn’s love letter in sound, and Schumann’s vibrant symphony – a concert full of tenderness and enchantment.

over Jan Lisiecki

New York Times

His playing — pristine, lyrical and intelligent — shows uncommon maturity.

From the New World

Christmas Oratorio

Heavenly chorals, desire and solace; a Christmas story in all its glory. Let your heart be warmed as the winter days approach.

on Johann Sebastian Bach

What his Passions are for the suffering, his Christmas oratio is for the celebration of Christmas.

Sint Sing Along

Ook dit seizoen komt Sinterklaas met zijn Pieten langs bij het orkest!

over onze kindervoorstellingen 

Bezoeker

Wat is het toch fantastisch dat jullie dit doen! Dank hiervoor!

Mahler 4 with Yannick Nézet-Séguin

Mahler's Fourth and songs by A. Mahler with Grammy Award winner Yannick

Trouw about Yannick Nézet-Séguin

Clara-Jumi Kang speelt Prokofjev

Muziek om halsoverkop verliefd op te worden.

Limelight Music, Arts & Culture

Door prachtige klanken te toveren uit haar Thunis Stradivarius-viool uit 1702, gaf ze een levendig intense uitvoering... haar techniek was gedurende het hele optreden buitengewoon zeker en meeslepend.

Christmas Oratorio

Programme & performers

All play dates of Christmas Oratorio

Watch, listen and marvel: