Pynarello

For the future of classical music in Amersfoort

Flint Theatre, Events & Conferences, the Municipality of Amersfoort, and the music collective Pynarello have signed a joint declaration of intent. This agreement sets out the ambition for Pynarello to become the resident ensemble of the city of Amersfoort.

Flint is delighted to partner with Pynarello and will work to ensure that Pynarello’s artistic ambitions find a place in the new cultural venue the municipality is currently exploring. Alderman Tyas Bijlholt, responsible for Arts and Culture, also welcomes this vision within the framework of the city’s cultural development: “Classical music deserves a more prominent place. The demand for it is clearly growing.”

Cultural growth calls for space
Amersfoort has grown rapidly in recent years and is expected to continue expanding. With this demographic development, the demand for culture is also increasing. Yet the cultural infrastructure has not kept pace. Existing venues are outdated, face capacity issues, and lack suitable facilities for classical music on a significant scale. Flint, the city’s largest theatre, does not have a hall with the acoustic qualities required for medium-sized classical ensembles.

That is why Amersfoort is working on a new Podium van de stad — sustainable, future-proof facilities for the performing arts. This development offers the opportunity to add a concert hall with the acoustics classical music deserves, giving it a rightful place in the city. Local ensembles such as the Amersfoorts Jeugd Orkest, national orchestras, and festivals like September Me will all benefit from such a venue.

Pynarello: classical music with guts
Pynarello is a flexible collective of musical adventurers that presents classical music in a fresh and accessible way. The ensemble performs by heart, without a conductor, and actively seeks connection with the audience. Their performances are energetic, surprising, and contemporary, blending classical masterpieces with influences from other cultures and genres.

In recent years, Pynarello has gained national recognition. Highlights include a nomination for the Edison Jazzism Audience Award (2022), winning De Ovatie for the most impressive classical performance (2023), and delivering the King’s Day Concert in 2025 in the presence of the Royal Family, broadcast live on national television. Their frequent appearances on programs such as Podium Klassiek underline their artistic relevance.

Flint and Pynarello: a natural alliance
Flint recognizes the growing demand for classical music in Amersfoort and sees in Pynarello an artistic partner of stature. While Flint currently programs chamber music in the Sint Aegtenkapel and occasionally hosts larger ensembles in the Veerensmederij, there is still no structural solution. The wish, therefore, is that the main hall of the new theatre will be designed with acoustics suitable for classical music.

“Amersfoort deserves a better and future-proof stage for classical music,” says Harold Warmelink, director of Flint. “With Pynarello as resident ensemble, we can both strengthen and renew the city’s cultural offering.” From this shared vision, Flint, the Municipality of Amersfoort, and Pynarello express their intention to position Pynarello as the resident ensemble of the city. This would mean not only a permanent base for rehearsals and office space, but also a structural role in the programming of the new venue. During each tour, Pynarello intends to perform in Amersfoort, embedding its activities firmly in the city.

“Having a permanent space for rehearsals and performances allows us to deepen our connection with Amersfoort audiences and strengthen our place within the city’s cultural infrastructure. It enables us to bring our adventurous music even closer to the people,” says Julian Schneemann, artistic director of Pynarello.

Building a cultural future together
With the signing of this declaration of intent, Flint, Pynarello, and the Municipality of Amersfoort take an important step towards a new cultural meeting place in the city. In the coming phase of the research into the new theatre, the plans will be further developed and incorporated into political decision-making.

The declaration of intent was signed by:

• Julian Schneemann – Artistic Director, Pynarello
• Jojanneke van de Weetering – Managing Director, Pynarello
• Harold Warmelink – Director, Flint Theatre, Events & Conferences
• Tyas Bijlholt – Alderman for Arts and Culture, Municipality of Amersfoort