In 2012, the Metropole Orkest was still part of the Dutch public broadcasting system, and it was through the broadcaster that we played our very first concert with Gregory Porter at Paradiso. From the moment we heard him, we knew he belonged in that rare category of artists: exceptional talents with truly unique voices.
For those paying close attention, this was also the period when the future of the Metropole Orkest was hanging in the balance. In fact, we received confirmation that we would continue to exist just one day before the concert with Gregory. As if that wasn’t enough, Gregory himself had become a father for the first time only a week earlier. You can imagine the atmosphere in Paradiso that night: relief, gratitude, and happiness all rolled into one.
It was another case of love at first sight. Since then, we’ve toured Germany together, welcomed Gregory back to the Netherlands on several occasions, including North Sea Jazz and our Nat King Cole project at Carré, and continued a musical friendship that has only grown stronger over the years.
Then, in 2026, we had the honour of joining Gregory for the biggest concert of his career: a performance at Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadium.
and contribute to educational projects and the preservation of Dutch heritage.
