Liberation Concert

Since 2006, an annual musical tribute has been held at the American Cemetery in Margraten. This classical concert, perfectly suited to the unique location, provides a moment of collective remembrance for the soldiers who gave their lives for the liberation of the Netherlands during World War II. At the same time, we celebrate the liberation of our country, which began in September 1944 in South Limburg.

The 18th Liberation Concert will take place on Thursday, 12 September 2024, at 7:00 PM. This year, philharmonie zuidnederland and the Brabant Choir will perform a programme that combines modern and classical elements, supported by soloist Suzan Seegers.

Theme
Under the baton of chief conductor Duncan Ward, philharmonie zuidnederland, along with a selection of soloists and the Brabant Choir, will present an impressive and varied programme featuring works by Beethoven, Williams, Price, and Pütz. Suzan Seegers will make a special contribution by performing Vera Lynn’s song “We’ll Meet Again.” The evening will begin with the arrival of the Freedom Flame, brought in by Atletiek Maastricht, children from the Eijsden-Margraten municipality, and soldiers from the 101st Airborne Division. Two poignant stories of fallen liberators will be told, there will be a special tribute to a liberator from the Old Hickory Division, and a student from the United World College will perform a spoken word piece.

Fallen Soldiers
With over 150 musicians, choir members, and soloists on stage, 3,300 attendees at the cemetery, and tens of thousands of viewers via the live broadcast on L1, this concert promises to be a fitting tribute to our fallen liberators, the unique location, and everyone to whom we owe our FREEDOM.

Evening Performance
Since last year, the Liberation Concert has taken a new direction, with more focus on young people, a more modern programme, and stories about fallen liberators. For the first time, the 18th Liberation Concert will be held in the evening, adding an even more special atmosphere to this already impressive location. L1 will broadcast the concert live from 7:00 PM, aiming to reach a national audience. Together with the ceremony in Mesch earlier that day, the concert marks the beginning of the national celebration of 80 years of liberation in the Netherlands.