The Symphonic Band Amsterdam (SHA) is the nicest symphonic band in Amsterdam and near there! With us, everyone is welcome to play together a good variety of music at a high level. This is reflected in our membership: both amateurs and professionals from this country and from abroad participate. The Symphonic Band Amsterdam is conducted by Lex Bak, and plays in the highest national division.
Our concerts are varied, interesting to all, socially relevant, and often with special soloists and cooperation partners. The band has a long history: it was founded in 1938 as the Shell Harmonie! In one of our concerts, we worked together with storyteller Frans Limburg for a particularly creepy concert. We performed several duo concerts (eg. with student orchestra S.H.O.T. from Enschede), and we welcomed several soloists in front of our orchestra. In the past, we have also been active as an exam orchestra for Bachelor’s and Master’s students from the Amsterdam Conservatory, for example, to conclude their practical exam in Conducting.
Highlights of the past years were our traditional New Year’s concerts in De Duif church, performances at the Beurs van Berlage, and concert tours to Frankfurt, and Berlin. We hope to be able to make a concert trip again soon! And there is much more to come …
Rehearsals are held Thursdays from 7 to 9:30 PM in the Huis van de Wijk Waterlandplein, Waterlandplein 302, in Amsterdam.