Review of the Thank You Day South at the Concertgebouw

On Saturday, November 16, it was party time again at the Concertgebouw: the Thank You Day for Volunteers from the South! Once again, we look back on a very successful afternoon. This year, more than 320 volunteers from Amsterdam South came to enjoy music, food, and togetherness at the Thank You Day. Upon arrival, a delicious lunch was ready for everyone. The program kicked off with a speech by district councilor Flora Breemer. She thanked the volunteers for their dedication over the past year.Then it was writer Rashid Novaire’s turn. He read from his own work and provided an explanation. To start, he talked about his novel ‘Zeg maar dat we niet thuis zijn’ which revolves around a funeral director who must return a deceased refugee to his birthplace in the Middle East while the man has lied to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) about his identity. His book ‘De vooravond’ was also discussed. This book is inspired by the dire situation of his grandmother and other German domestic workers in the 1930s in the Netherlands when the leaders of the Nazi government called back these workers to Germany. With beautiful quotes and fitting words, Rashid silenced the room.As the main act this year, we had a wonderful performance by the incredibly talented Ellen ten Damme and her pianist Thijs Cuppen. French, German, Dutch, and English songs were performed, and everyone enjoyed it! During “Non, non rien a changé” by the Poppies, everyone sang and clapped along enthusiastically. These fantastic performances were talked about at the drinks afterwards, and Rashid, Ellen, and Thijs also mingled with the audience.Many thanks to the amazing artists who with their words, their voice, and their music made the afternoon special. And thanks to the district of Amsterdam Zuid, the Concertgebouw, and of course all volunteers for their contribution and presence.

All photos from this afternoon can be viewed (and downloaded) via this link:https://photos.app.goo.gl/nz4si5g2XPaPjtgb9 .Photographer: Peter Lange, VCA Media