What connects a Syrian oud player, a woman with a service dog, and a trans man? And what connects them to you? What happens when you truly look into someone’s eyes, when you dare to see what their gaze reflects? Perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of yourself. After all, eyes are mirrors of the soul. Such encounters ask for courage, but they also reward us with unexpected insight. In Spiegels (translates to ‘Mirrors’), the anniversary concert by Stichting Utrecht Requiem, you are invited to pause, to listen, and to be moved.
At the heart of Spiegels are six courageous people, each sharing their own true story. Tales of resilience, responsibility, and strength. Their words have been shaped into song texts by seven celebrated writers, including Arthur Japin and Manon Uphoff, and set to music by seven acclaimed composers.
Together with professional singers and musicians, Belal, Sascha, Mark, Saskia, Rachelle, and Dennis take the stage. Be touched by their personal stories and by the transformative power of music and language. Through their eyes, we may see a reflection of ourselves. What happens when we truly see one another, not only hearing the music, but the human being behind it?
For Spiegels, seven writers and seven composers have been brought together an extraordinary blend of voices from Dutch literature and contemporary music. Nisrine Mbarki, Herman van Tongerloo, Arthur Japin, Manon Uphoff, Iduna Paalman, Baban Kirkuki, and Kees van Domselaar offer texts that make us wonder: who is really looking into the mirror?
Their words are given sound by composers Joost Kleppe, Monique Krüs, Jeroen Spitteler, Calliope Tsoupaki, Rob Zuidam, Thomas Beijer, and Diederik van der Laag. Each composer creates a new piece inspired by a life story. Together they form six musical mirrors, each with its own tone, emotion, and perspective.
For over ten years, Stichting Utrecht Requiem has been bringing art and community together. We believe that music and storytelling can bridge divides, especially where differences seem greatest.
In their concerts, citizens of Utrecht share their life stories on stage, surrounded by professional musicians. Over time, these performances have become a meeting place for art and humanity, where music doesn’t just sound, but consoles, connects, and reflects.
The foundation gives voice and stage to people whose stories embody resilience, hope, and comfort, linking them through contemporary classical music with audiences open to being moved.
After its premiere, Spiegels will tour across Utrecht and its surroundings. from theatres and community centres to healthcare institutions, bringing stories and music to places where classical music is rarely heard. Spiegels is more than a concert. It is a space for connection and encounter. Those who dare to look may discover something new, in another person, and in themselves.
Premiere: 8 February 2026 – TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht
Participants : Mark, Rachelle, Saskia, Belal, Dennis, Sascha
Librettists: Arthur Japin, Manon Uphoff, Nisrine Mbarki, Herman van Tongerloo, Iduna Paalman, Baban Kirkuki, Kees van Domselaar
Composers: Joost Kleppe, Monique Krüs, Jeroen Spitteler, Calliope Tsoupaki, Rob Zuidam, Thomas Beijer, Diederik van der Laag
Performers (varied ensemble): Rosina Fabius, Jonathan Ploeg, Ingrid Nugteren, Gulian van Nierop, Mitchell Sandler, Suzanne Verburg, Lars Wouters van den Oudenweijer, Jellantsje de Vries, Jelte van Andel, Robbrecht van Cauwenberghe, Jeroen Spitteler
Artistic Director: Ellen Blom
Supported by: Gemeente Utrecht
Composers in the crosshairs of our attention