Arakatak

The Metropole Orkest turns eighty and celebrates with the brand-new album Arakatak and an exclusive, immersive concert full of orchestral jazz with influences from jazz and film music. Eight of our favorite composers wrote “music of the future” for Arakatak, commissioned by the orchestra. It promises to be a unique listening experience, and you can be there! Due to the limited number of seats, you’ll be seated right in the middle of the orchestra, wearing a headset, so you can experience the album from inside out. You’ll see and hear the music live, even before the album is officially released. You’ll also get a first look at the music video created especially for the Metropole Orkest by acclaimed comic artist Typex.

Under the direction of composer, arranger and regular guest conductor Miho Hazama, born in Tokyo and based in New York, the Metropole Orkest presents new pieces on Arakatak by, among others, our honorary conductor and master arranger Vince Mendoza, David Bowie producer Donny McCaslin, the boundary-pushing drummer Mark Guiliana, horn player Morris Kliphuis and pianist Shai Maestro.

Eighty years ago, the first telegram was sent to establish an orchestra that would raise light music to a higher level, a mission that is still relevant today. To celebrate this milestone, we delved into our history and asked a group of befriended composers and artists to write new instrumental music especially for the orchestra. On March 6, 2026, we will perform these brand-new works live for the very first time during a festive album launch at De Hallen, Amsterdam.

Please note: the ticket price for the concert includes the Arakatak vinyl album!