On Saturday afternoon, November 29th, the fifth Festival Forbidden Music Regained will take place in the Bernard Haitinkzaal at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam.

Forgotten music revives in a new edition

Young, talented musicians will revive the music of persecuted composers during the fifth edition of Festival Forbidden Music Regained. This unique festival takes place on November 29th at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam and promises to be another true musical journey of discovery. After four successful editions, a surprising program awaits once again.

The theme this year is: 80 Years of Freedom. And it’s a celebration because the Leo Smit Foundation is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary.

During World War II, the music of many composers was banned because of their political beliefs, Jewish heritage, or resistance activities. Their melodies disappeared, but thanks to the efforts of the Leo Smit Foundation, these lost treasures are returning. With great dedication, the foundation has brought music that had ended up in attics, archives, garden sheds, and even garbage bins back to the public. In addition to concerts, lectures, and exhibitions, the Festival Forbidden Music Regained, launched in 2021, allows the music of persecuted composers to be heard as never before.

This year, 25 new music publications will be presented again, bringing the total to an impressive 150 works, thanks to the collaboration between the Leo Smit Foundation, the Netherlands Music Institute, and Donemus Publishers. Several of these works will be performed by students from the Conservatory of Amsterdam. With a program full of rare, captivating pieces that have resonated throughout history, this edition of Festival Forbidden Music Regained is an opportunity to discover musical treasures never heard before.

The festival is free and will take place on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Reservations: secretariaat@leosmit.nl.