Maestro Jules onthult Sheherazade

Maestro Jules (Jules van Hessen) was the passionate conductor of the Philips Symphony Orchestra for more than 35 years. Now he returns as guest conductor with his successful and beloved format: “Maestro Jules onthult.” Before the intermission, Maestro Jules reveals everything you want to know about a great classical masterpiece and its composer. In his characteristic style—charismatic, witty, and irresistibly entertaining—he takes the audience into the world behind the music. It is no coincidence that he is sometimes called “the stand-up conductor.”

The orchestra, still informally dressed, illustrates his story with musical excerpts, while images on a screen visually reinforce the explanation. In this way, the music becomes not only audible, but also visible and surprisingly accessible.

After the intermission comes the grand conclusion: the masterpiece is performed in its full glory and without interruption. Orchestra and conductor appear in concert attire, the images return, and the celebration of recognition can begin. You now hear the music with different ears—richer, deeper, and more intense.

This time the focus is on the thrilling, cinematic music of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. The score paints a world full of adventure and mystery: the bold voyages of Sinbad, the cruelty of a sultan, and above all the enchanting power of the storyteller Scheherazade. Through her captivating tales, she manages to postpone her execution night after night. Her voice sounds in the music as a seductive violin solo—so prominent that the work almost feels like a violin concerto.

Thanks to Maestro Jules’ compelling explanation, both the fairy-tale narrative and Rimsky-Korsakov’s brilliant, colorful orchestration come to life even more vividly. Spoken in Dutch.