Keti Koti (lunch + concert)

On the 1st of July, the Netherlands commemorates and celebrates the abolition of slavery in Suriname and the Antilles (Keti Koti and Dia di Abolishon). The day before, we gather to reflect on our shared history, the present and the future, all while enjoying a meal and listening to each other’s stories. Countertenor Arturo den Hartog, with roots in both Suriname and the Netherlands, presents a recital with songs by Copland from the collection Old American Songs, a beautiful song cycle by Finzi set to texts by Shakespeare and Surinam traditionals. Beforehand, a Heri lunch will be served. This is a one-pot dish prepared with ingredients that were available to enslaved people on the plantations. 

In 2021, countertenor Arturo den Hartog won the audience award of the Princess Christina Concours. He performed at the Opera Forward Festival in 2020, 2021 and 2022. He is increasingly developing as a creator, while advocating for the works of Black composers. This concert he teams up with pianist Daan Boertien.

The Heri meal consists of cooked sweet potato, cassava, yellow and green bananas, salted fish (cod), an egg, and garnishing (no vegetarian option available).

A production of Muziekgebouw Production House in collaboration with Theater voor Keti Koti and Free Heri Heri for All