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opening Holland Festival 2026

City of Floating Sounds

Huang Ruo, Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen

For the festive opening of the Holland Festival, Amsterdam transforms into one vibrant piece of music. With City of Floating Sounds by Huang Ruo, visitors become part of a moving orchestra.


From various starting points across the city, audiences walk towards Koninklijk Theater Carré. Using a specially developed app, you follow one of the musical lines from Huang Ruo’s new composition, performed by the BBC Philharmonic. As the different groups gradually converge, the separate musical layers blend into a rich and dynamic soundscape. What you hear depends on the route you take and the people you encounter along the way, turning the city itself into a stage.


Upon arrival at Carré, the music continues. What you experienced through the app now unfolds live, performed by Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen. This is followed by the festival’s official opening moment and a performance of Shattered Steps, inspired by Huang Ruo’s vocal improvisations.


The walking portion of this special performance begins at 7:30 pm somewhere near Carré, the walk takes about 30 minutes. The programme in Carré starts at 8:30 pm and lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. Further details will be sent to ticket holders prior to the event.


Questions about the musical walk? Below you will find FAQ's.


How long does the performance last?

The walking part of this special performance starts at 7:30 PM. The musical walk lasts approximately 30 minutes. The programme in Carré begins at 8:30 pm and lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes.


Can children attend the performance?

Absolutely! We do ask that children under the age of 14 are accompanied by an adult.


Where do I start the walk?

In May, all invitees and ticket holders will receive their route and starting location.


Do I need to be there at a specific time?

Yes, the musical walk starts at 7:30 PM.

If you need assistance from our team with the app or anything else, please make sure to arrive well in advance so we can help you before the walk begins.


How long does the musical walk through the city last?

The musical walk lasts approximately 30 minutes.


What equipment do I need to participate?

A fully charged smartphone with the app installed is sufficient.


Is the app free?

Use of the app is included in the ticket price.


Where can I download the app?

You will receive an email a few days before the performance with a link to download the app.


How do I use the app?

It’s simple:

-Install the free app using a Wi-Fi connection.

-The app counts down to the start time.

-When the music begins, you start your journey and enjoy!


Can I use headphones?

The performance is designed for you to listen to the symphony through your phone’s speakers, but you are also free to use headphones or a Bluetooth speaker.


Can I use other apps on my phone during the experience?

It is recommended to use the app during the walk, but the music will continue playing if you leave the app. So you can also take photos for Instagram!


What if I receive a message or call during the experience?

The music will continue playing if you temporarily leave the app and will resume once your call has ended. The app displays the route to follow.

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dates

Wed June 3 7:30 PM

prices

  • default from € 25
  • CJP € 21,50
  • HF Young from € 19,50
  • youth under 18 € 16,50

information

  • 2 hours 30 minutes

more info

Credits

composition Huang Ruo conductor Martijn Dendievel performed by Flanders Symphony Orchestra 1e viool Aymeric de Villoutreys, Alissa Vaitsner, Dominika Karbowniczek, Nathalie Hepp, David Makhmudov, Bence Ábrahám, Anzhela Hovhannisyan, Bram Van Een, Nadiia Kravchuck 2e viool Lucas Caluwaerts, Erika Bordon, Liesbet Jansen, Isabelle Decraene, Cristina Torres Martinez, Eleni Giovanis, Chihiro Yamamoto altviool Jozefien Dumortier, Bruno De Schaepdrijver, Kaatje Strauven, Korneel Taeckens, Xavier Timmermans cello Renaat Ackaert, Wytske Holtrop, Joyce Kuipers, Isabelle Brys, Fernando Romaguera Lara, Frederika Mareels contrabas Ben Faes, Bram Decroix, Fons Dobbelaere, Isa Opstapel flute Caroline Peeters, Veerle December, Tille Van Gastel, Korneel Alsteens, Carola Dieraert, Draymell Diaz Rodriguez, Alberto Blanco Garcia, Yassine Posman, Brecht Van Loo, Koen Coppé, Davy Callens, Christine Pieters hoorn Koen Cools, Bruno Melckebeke, Hanne Melckebeke, Diechje Minne trumpet Serge Rigaumont, Bart Coppé, Jeroen Bavin, Arne Van Eeno Gert-Jan Schoup, Jens Demey, Søren Brassaert, Wouter Loose timpani Karen Kandel percussion Wim De Vlaminck, Jonathan Beyers app-development ECHOES (Josh Kopeček) music on the app is performed by BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Robert Ames (conductor) production Factory International, Manchester commissioned by Factory International, Manchester, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, National Taichung Theater (Taiwan), West Kowloon Cultural District with support from Tax Shelter van de Belgische Federale Overheid