The annual ‘Breder dan klassiek’ (More than classical) New Year’s tour of Amsterdam Sinfonietta has become quite the household name here in the Netherlands. Every year this results in an exciting cross-pollination between completely different musical worlds. For this series, Amsterdam Sinfonietta previously collaborated with Jonathan Jeremiah, Typhoon, De Dijk, and Rufus Wainwright. This year, it’s the turn of Swedish singer-songwriter The Tallest Man on Earth.

With only his voice and a guitar, The Tallest Man on Earth is able to quiet any audience. In one evening, he is known to play up to ten different guitars, from acoustic to banjo. Together with Amsterdam Sinfonietta, he will bring a program with Swedish folklore, classical Scandinavian composers, a selection from his own and still growing repertoire of wonderful songs and covers by Bob Dylan and Sting, among others. Special guest is the adventurous New York string quartet Brooklyn Rider. Frontman Colin Jacobsen will be leading the Amsterdam Sinfonietta.

The Tallest Man on Earth

The Tallest Man on Earth is the stage name of Kristian Matsson, a singer-songwriter from Dalarna, Sweden. Matsson grew up in Leksand and was the singer of the indie band Montezumas. In 2006 he released a solo EP, which kicked-off his solo career. Since 2010, Matsson has produced six albums from his home in Sweden. A seventh is on the way: Henry St. His music has often been compared to that of a young Bob Dylan, but his later work also evokes the atmosphere of The War On Drugs and Mumford & Sons. He is known for his charismatic performances.

Amsterdam Sinfonietta

Amsterdam Sinfonietta was founded in 1988 and has since grown into a dynamic and virtuoso ensemble that performs all over the world. The string orchestra plays under the direction of artistic director Candida Thompson and is praised for its innovative programming and close ensemble work.