NL

The Arts and Sciences building

Many works have had their Netherlands premiere in the ‘K&W’ or Gebouw voor Kunsten & Wetenschappen (Arts and Sciences Building). It is the place to hear music, and it has a rich history.

The Music Building

Many musical greats have performed in the Arts and Sciences Building, including Clara Schumann, Johannes Brahms, Henri Litolff, Henri Wieniawski, Eugène Ysaÿe, David Popper, Ferruccio Busoni, Carl Flesch, Joseph Joachim and Anton Rubinstein. More recently, classical stars including Janine Jansen, Tania Kross, Karin Strobos, Lavinia Meijer and Remy van Kesteren have performed here.

Rich History

In 1847 the ‘Gebouw voor Kunsten & Wetenschappen’ was built on the foundations of the former Church of Our Lady (Mariakerk). Later, in 1974, the city of Utrecht handed over control of the building to the Utrechts Conservatorium as it was known. Since 1987 the conservatory has been part of HKU University of the Arts Utrecht.
In 1988 the entire building was destroyed by a fire, and only the exterior walls survived. Fortunately the building could be restored to its former glory.
  • The Fentener van Vlissingenzaal is the heart of the K&W building. It accommodates chamber ensembles and small orchestras. There are also two concert grand pianos, a Yamaha and a Steinway. The hall retains the shape of the choir of the Mariakerk.
  • The small hall (room K1.08) of the K&W also accommodates concerts and lectures. It seats 80 to 100, and has a low stage.