In the year that Amsterdam celebrates its 750th anniversary, the WesterHarmonie will once again put the city in the spotlight with a special concert: Peter and the Sea. On 30 November 2025, the WesterHarmonie will dock at De Kompaszaal for this musical adventure, conducted by Arthur Demonceau.
From the High Seas to a Tavern Tale
On this Sunday evening, sailor Peter takes center stage. Sitting at the bar of a typical Amsterdam pub, he recounts his faraway voyages across the world’s oceans — tales of distant lands and wild adventures. Fierce storms, shipwrecks, pirates, giants, and sea monsters rise to the surface of his story, along with beautiful women and other temptations such as alcohol and drugs. After all his wanderings, he returns to his beloved Amsterdam — the city shaped by the sea, grown rich and diverse through trade, culture, and open horizons. The story will be told in Dutch.
In De Kompaszaal, the impressive former KNSM departure hall overlooking the IJ river, the WesterHarmonie brings this fantastic story to life with atmospheric music from all corners of the world. Echoes of ship horns, the rush of the waves, and the call of adventure fill the hall.
Ahoy!
The audience is warmly invited to be carried away by music, storytelling, and imagination in the unique setting of De Kompaszaal. How reliable is a sailor’s memory, after all?
Tickets
Admission (including coffee or tea on arrival): €11.
Advance tickets: send an email to penningmeester@westerharmonie.nl.
Tickets are also available at the door (subject to availability).
Tailor-Made Concerts
The WesterHarmonie is made up of over 30 woodwind, brass, and percussion players with a wide range of musical experience. Many members also perform in other ensembles such as chamber groups, brass quintets, street bands, or big bands. Ages range from around 25 to over 60 — but they all share one key trait: a love of making music, approached with both joy and dedication. As a symphonic wind orchestra, this amateur ensemble offers surprising and engaging performances at a variety of venues — including open-air locations.