Nexera Goes Dutch

Visitors to Amsterdam this year are raving about the newly renovated Muziekgebouw and the new location of the Bimhuis. If you're lucky enough to visit Amsterdam this fall, be sure to include this venue in your itinerary. The exquisite building sits on the banks of the IJ, just a few blocks from Central Station, and offers some of the best music in the city.

The Bimhuis originally opened in 1974 to showcase the latest and most interesting developments in Dutch/international jazz and improvisational music. At the beginning of 2005, the Bimhuis moved from its former location to the head of the Piet Heinkade in an outstanding new building adjacent to the Muziekgebouw. At the same time, the Muziekgebouw underwent improvements to its facility. Now, the duo offers visitors a choice of music and atmosphere. The Muziekgebouw hosts a variety of music and festivals throughout the year in its multipurpose, 800-seat concert room, complete with foyers and concessions. The Bimhuis, with its view of the historical center and the IJ harbor, managed to retain the intimate and informal club feel of its original location.

During the building and renovation, Kuno van Velzen at Controllux was approached with a lighting challenge: provide color changers that do not make noise. After comparing different fixtures, they chose the NEXERA for the brilliant color and virtually silent operation. Since the NEXERA is convection cooled, its operation is whisper quiet, making it ideal for venues where fan noise would be an issue. They installed a total of 60 Nexeras, with 20 in the Bimhuis and 40 in the Muziekgebouw. The lighting perfectly accentuates the music and environment of both buildings.

Amsterdam's optimally equipped new venue for the growing repertoire of diversified music is fast gaining international notice, and for good reason. For a season schedule and more information, visit www.bimhuis.nl or www.muziekgebouw.nl.