February 2026 – The Netherlands Wind Ensemble sighs, whispers, weeps and moves audiences with Berlioz’s Powerful Women. With this performance, the ensemble follows in the footsteps of the eccentric composer.
The revolutionary Symphonie Fantastique centers on a strong yet unattainable woman. It is a story filled with obsession, madness, jealousy and murder. In La Mort de Cléopâtre, Cleopatra chooses death over captivity. Charismatic and fearless, she takes her fate into her own hands.
These masterfully orchestrated compositions by Berlioz were specially transformed into a spectacular wind arrangement for NBE by the creative German composer Kathrin Denner. The result is an expressive performance brimming with drama, longing and tragedy.
The tour concluded in Enschede on Sunday, 15 February. Fortunately, you can still listen as the full concert was broadcast on Het Avondconcert on NPO Klassiek on Monday, 16 February.