Beethoven conquers the Space Expo museum

The Davidsbündler Academy is based in The Hague. The institute provides high-level classical music training, particularly for pianists and violinists. The academy is led by American Nicholas Santangelo Schwartz (bassist and cellist with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra) and the renowned concert pianist Anna Fedorova from Ukraine. "Anna has performed with an endless list of world-famous orchestras and conductors, such as Daniel Harding, Gianandrea Noseda, and Jaap van Zweden," Cazin continues. "Both Anna and Nicholas will perform during the concert at Space Expo." They will be joined by five other musicians. "There will be seven people on stage in total. They will play pieces by famous composers. We will, of course, finish with an iconic piece from the Star Wars films." The museum was not chosen as the venue for the concert by accident. "Space exploration is topical. For example, a new series of moon missions is just around the corner. The universe captures the imagination like nothing else. The same is true for the beauty of classical music. During the concert ‘Beethoven: Destination Moon’ these two worlds will merge for one night only.”

Experiment

For Space Expo, the concert is an exciting experiment, says director Frédérique van Steekelenburg-van der Stelt. "Primarily, we are of course a museum that tells the story of space exploration to as wide an audience as possible. In addition, we host many corporate events, such as conferences, lectures, drinks receptions, dinners, and workshops." A classical concert is something new. "But we are happy to facilitate this initiative for the Davidsbündler Academy. We see this as a promising and special cultural event. In that sense, it fits the character of our museum. Through this concert, classical music will introduce a new target audience to space exploration. After all, the stage will be set in the heart of our museum. I am looking forward to this special experience."

Practical details

• Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026
• Ticket price 18+: € 49.50
• Ticket price (up to 17 years): € 34.50
• Tickets are sold exclusively online. It is not possible to purchase tickets at the door.
• Tickets are for unreserved seating (seating is on a first-come, first-served basis).
• Location: the concert will take place in the middle of the museum. We look forward to showing you the way on May 20!

Program & musicians

• Doors open: 7:00 PM
• Concert starts: 7:30 PM
• Concert ends: 9:30 PM
• There will be an intermission

H. Mancini / A. Fedorova - Moon River - dreams
A. Scriabin - 2 poèmes - Alicia  - dreams of flying towards the stars
A. Vivaldi - Sonata No. 12 in D minor, 'La Follia' - preparations for leaving Earth
O. Mustonen - Toccata - into space
D. Scarlatti - Sonata in D minor - zero gravity
L. v. Beethoven - Piano Sonata No. 14 'Moonlight' - orbiting the Earth

- INTERMISSION -

L. v. Beethoven - String Trio Op. 9 No. 3, II - the void
B. Fedorov - Dedication - looking back at humanity on Earth with fear, terror, and hope
P. Vasks - Castillo Interior  - mysterious discoveries
C. Debussy - Clair de lune - peaceful drift
A. Fedorova - Amélie Fantasia - black hole
L. v. Beethoven - Symphony No. 5, I - cosmic battle
J. Williams - Star Wars  - return, celebration!

Anna Fedorova, piano | Daniel Rowland, violin | Iryna Gintova, violin | Dana Zemtsov, viola | Maja Bogdanovic, cello | Nicholas Schwartz, double bass & Young Talents from the Davidsbündler Academy