It is with regret that World Master Pianists must announce that Maria João Pires’ recital, scheduled for Sunday 30 June 2025 at the Nieuwe Kerk in The Hague, will not take place. The beloved Portuguese master pianist has had to cancel her concert engagements for the coming months on urgent medical advice.

Dear friends,

I regret to inform you that I will have to step away from the stage for some time. A cerebrovascular health issue has arisen, which I see as a sign, perhaps a warning.

I will devote this period to rediscovering the balance between body and spirit, and to finding joy in retreating, reading, meditating, and learning from the lessons life wishes to teach me.

I thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for your patience, your support, and your comforting words.

With all my affection,
Maria João Pires

Maria João Pires was particularly looking forward to performing in the intimate and atmospheric setting of the Nieuwe Kerk. She is therefore very saddened that she will not be able to give this concert. On behalf of our audience, we wish her peace and a speedy recovery. We eagerly await her return during the 2026 season in an impressive duo recital with Marc-André Hamelin on 20 April in the main hall of Amare.

A musical top evening with Lucas & Arthur Jussen – Monday, 7 July 2025

Instead, World Master Pianists is proud and excited to announce that on Monday, 7 July 2025, none other than Lucas & Arthur Jussen will be performing at the Nieuwe Kerk in The Hague at 8:15 p.m.

The internationally acclaimed piano duo – artistically ‘nurtured’ in close association with Maria João Pires – presents a special recital programme for piano four hands. The selection has been carefully tailored to the unique acoustics and serene ambiance of the Nieuwe Kerk, promising an evening rich in both musical and emotional depth.

Programme

J.S. Bach
Schafe können sicher weiden (arr. Mary Howe)
Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 599 (arr. György Kurtág)
Gottes Zeit ist die allerbeste Zeit, BWV 106 (arr. György Kurtág)

Hanna Kulenty
VAN… (2014) – für Klavier zu vier Händen

Franz Schubert
Fantasy in F minor, D 940

Sergej Rachmaninov
6 Morceaux, op. 11

A recital you won’t want to miss!

Lucas & Arthur Jussen guarantee a thrilling performance full of bravura, refinement and youthful energy. Their virtuosity, ensemble playing and musical depth make every concert a top-class experience..

Experience Lucas & Arthur Jussen up close, in the enchanting ambiance of the Nieuwe Kerk, one of The Hague’s most intimate and characterful concert venues.

No tickets yet? Don’t wait too long, the Nieuwe Kerk can only accommodate 450 visitors. Book quickly via the buttons below, because this promises to be an evening you won’t soon forget.