Productions
Vrienden van de Kamermuziek
Vrienden van de Kamermuziek is a chamber music concert series founded by pianist Lestari Scholtes in 2011, who continues to serve as its artistic director. The series aims to share the beauty of chamber music with a broad audience while providing a platform for the next generation of musicians to flourish. Each season features five distinctive and diverse concerts, thoughtfully curated by Lestari to create meaningful and inspiring musical experiences for listeners of all ages. Every concert revolves around a specific theme, and Lestari introduces each work, offering insights that deepen the audience’s connection with the music. Following the performances, visitors are invited to enjoy complimentary refreshments and informal conversations, fostering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. In collaboration with Stichting Stadsherstel, the concerts take place in the heart of Amsterdam, at the historic venues De Duif and the Amstelkerk. Musicians and ensembles that have performed at the series are among others Daniel Rowland, Rosanne Philippens, Lidy Blijdorp, Heleen Oomen, Sasja Witteveen, Camiel Boomsma, Pianoduo Scholtes & Janssens, The New European Ensemble and Hydra Quartet. For more information, see the website of the series. website of the series.
Pianoduo Festival Amsterdam
The Pianoduo Festival Amsterdam was founded in 2017 by pianist Lestari Scholtes together with her piano duo partner Gwylim Janssens. Since then, the two have hosted the festival every year, transforming Amsterdam into a city of piano duos each December. For four vibrant days, the city turns purple as concerts and events dedicated to piano duo music take place across all districts of Amsterdam. The festival brings together internationally renowned piano duos and outstanding young talents, presenting performances that appeal to audiences of all ages. Lestari and Gwylim are committed to offering a program that celebrates both artistic excellence and diversity, incorporating a wide range of musical and cultural influences. For more information, please visit the website of the festival.
Baby Concerts – Music for the Little Ones
In collaboration with Vrienden van de Kamermuziek, pianist Lestari Scholtes organizes enchanting concerts designed especially for the youngest music lovers. Inspired by her own child, Lestari created the concept of baby concerts—a gentle and engaging introduction to classical music for babies between roughly four months and eighteen months old.
Scientific research shows that listening to and interacting with music stimulates cognitive development in infants. With this in mind, each concert is carefully tailored to a baby’s natural attention span, lasting about 30 minutes in a cozy, intimate setting. Instead of chairs, the space is filled with pillows and blankets, allowing little ones to move freely, listen, and explore. Babies can drift away to Brahms and De Falla lullabies, clap along to Mozart’s cheerful variations on Altijd is Kortjakje ziek, and crawl or sway to the playful sounds of Grieg, Schumann, and Poulenc. To further delight the senses, gentle scents and bubbles fill the room, creating a multisensory experience that captivates both children and parents.
The baby concerts have become a much-loved tradition featuring Trio 258 and soprano Kirila Kraal. For more information, please visit the website.