Five Pianists, Five Ways

Last Thursday, Feb 6, something truly unique unfolded at Five Ways Coffee Roaster in Amsterdam.

Nestled in the vibrant Kinkerstraat of Amsterdam, known for its artisan brews and relaxed atmosphere, the café took on a new role: an intimate, spontaneous stage for a classical music concert. With the support of Gutman Records and the Amsterdam Piano Series, the space was graced by a Steinway grand piano and a lineup of exceptional musicians: Alissa Firsova, Alexandra Kaptein, Florian Verweij, Ramon van Engelenhoven, and Thomas Beijer.
What made this concert stand out wasn’t just the music—it was the atmosphere. Picture a mix of tourists, locals, and even delivery riders pausing for a moment of calm and delight, all drawn into the magic of live performance. Dogs sat by their owners as they sipped cappuccinos, while the warm sunlight streaming through the glass windows gave the event a relaxed yet elegant charm. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a meeting point for diverse audiences to connect over the universal language of music.

A Program Beyond Words
The afternoon was an eclectic journey. From Alissa Firsova’s heartfelt interpretation of Mahler’s Adagietto, reimagined through her own arrangement, to the expressive Prokofiev Piano Sonata No. 2 performed by Florian Verweij, every note told a story. The audience witnessed the beauty of Schubert’s Frühlingsglaube and Auf dem Wasser zu singen through Liszt’s transcriptions, as well as the duet magic of Schubert’s Fantasia in F minor for four hands. Meanwhile, Ramon brought the drama of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet to life, inspiring an enthusiastic audience member to cheer “Prokofiev!” in pure excitement while entering the venue.

As if this weren’t enough, the shared energy of Thomas Beijer’s Albéniz selections from Iberia and Alexandra Kaptein’s Haydn and Schumann performances added to the depth and delight of the event.

Bringing the Grand Piano to Life—Literally
A question frequently overheard: “How did you manage to fit a Steinway grand piano into this cozy space?” The sight of the majestic piano in the middle of the café created awe. And while the logistics may remain a well-guarded secret, the effect was undeniable. A mother with her child, tourists with cameras, and even delivery drivers on break stayed to witness moments of transcendent beauty.

A Vision for More
The afternoon’s success left many attendees wondering: “Will this become a regular event?” Though no promises were made, the heartwarming feedback—“This was truly beautiful and made my day”—left the organizers inspired to consider future performances. As one listener remarked, “There’s something about hearing live music in an unexpected place that makes it unforgettable.”

For those eager to follow the magic, upcoming events by the Amsterdam Piano Series are on the horizon, including Natacha Kudritskaya’s much-anticipated recital on February 24, 2025, at the Concertgebouw’s Kleine Zaal.

From Five Ways to Infinite Pathways
This concert was more than music—it was a reflection of Amsterdam’s charm: a buzzing city where anything magical could happen, where art finds its way into everyday life, offering moments of calm, connection, joy, and love.