Sting – Sounds Like Art: Rijksmuseum Amsterdam. Available from Today, March 5th on arte.tv

Sounds Like Art is an exciting new concert initiative that invites musicians to perform amongst works of art in a European museum of their choice. 

World-renowned artist Sting performs in the beautiful surroundings of Amsterdam’s Rijkmuseum amongst paintings by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Judith Leyster, and reflects on the works of the old masters.

The 17-time Grammy Award winning artist performs a unique concert amongst masterpieces in the Gallery of Honour. 

Playing a rare 17th century guitar, Sting, managed by Martin Kierszenbaum/Cherrytree Music Company, reveals his love for the Old Masters and revels in the power of books and reading, while performing in the museum’s spectacular library. As an English teacher under his given name of Gordon Sumner, his love of books and reading should cause no surprise. 

Coinciding with an international run of Sting’s musical “The Last Ship” in Amsterdam, Paris, Brisbane and New York, this special performance includes selections from his TONY Award nominated musical, a deeply personal tribute to Sting’s native Northeast England and the now-vanished shipbuilding tradition of his hometown, Wallsend. 

Accompanied by his longtime guitarist Dominic Miller, Sting reflects on the musical’s origins, shares stories from throughout his career, and performs beloved songs spanning his illustrious catalogue, including classics from his celebrated band, The Police.

While the Rijksmuseum’s crown jewel, Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, undergoes restoration, the museum opens the doors of the painting’s striking glass-fronted gallery for a rare, intimate performance. For the occasion, Sting plays a unique 17th-century guitar, originally crafted for the court of Louis XIV, the Sun King, generously loaned to the museum.

A former English teacher with a lifelong devotion to reading and learning, Sting also performs in the Rijksmuseum’s spectacular library, celebrating the enduring power of books and curiosity. His openness, intellect, and willingness to keep challenging himself shine throughout this episode—an unforgettable encounter where timeless art meets timeless music, and where history, storytelling, and song come vividly alive.

WATCH STING - Sounds Like Art https://www.arte.tv/en/videos/119031-004-A/sting-sounds-like-art/

Amsterdam Dance Event completes 2023 programme with over 2,900 artists and Official Opening Event at Rijksmuseum

The collaboration between ADE and Rijksmuseum represents an important step for both institutions in merging different art disciplines

The Amsterdam Dance Event (ADE) has completed its programme for ADE 2023 and is unveiling a special collaboration with Amsterdam staple Rijksmuseum and DJ upsammy as its Official Opening Event. The result is "Breathe, Walk, Die", a unique performance where art and music converge. 

The event takes place in the iconic bicycle passage under the Rijksmuseum, made possible by the collaboration between the two cultural institutions. Breathe, Walk, Die will take place on Wednesday, October 18 at 7:30 PM and will also be streamed live on ADE’s channels.

ADE and Rijksmuseum present "Breathe, Walk, Die"

"Breathe, Walk, Die" is a three-act theatrical performance that brings to life the exhibition Museum Boijmans van Beuningen at Rijksmuseum. The show is based on the musical tour that DJ upsammy composed for the exhibition under the direction of creative producer Tom Trago, in which life – from birth to death – is musically reflected through themes such as fear, lust and ambition. With live sounds by percussionist Valentina Magaletti and a visual interpretation by designer Theun Mosk, the performance promises to be one of the central showpieces of ADE 2023.

The collaboration between ADE and Rijksmuseum represents an important step for both institutions in merging different art disciplines to create unique, connecting experiences. This initiative also marks ADE’s direction towards becoming a more artistic platform that encourages young musical talent on a broader stage, and emphasises the cultural value of electronic music.

"We are extremely proud that we have been able to set up this initiative in collaboration with the Rijksmuseum, and present electronic music’s positive impact and contribution to cultural heritage to an even wider audience," says Jan-Willem van de Ven, Director of ADE. Hendrikje Crebolder, Director of Development and Media at the Rijksmuseum, adds: “thanks to our partnership with ADE and Heineken, we can offer a new audience a unique experience in the museum and beyond.”

ADE Festival programme

The latest wave of artists for the ADE program includes Animistic Beliefs, ANOTR, Colin Benders, DJ Chuckie, Ellen Allien, Grandmaster Flash, Hunee, Jennifer Cardini, Lady Bee, Louie Vega, Saoirse and Ummet Ozcan. The complete list of the new acts announced can be found below, and the full program can be viewed on the ADE website.

https://www.amsterdam-dance-event.nl/en/tickets