In a dozen years, ASML On Stage has transformed from a small musical evening into a large multicultural festival for the entire city. The event featured 28 groups performing across five stages and various foyers, including a dance area and a karaoke stage. While the Eindhoven region is known for high-tech, Carl Leen, Program Manager Society & Community Engagement, notes, “Anyone who thinks that numbers are the most important thing is wrong; there is enormous creative potential at ASML. Our people are creative anyway.” He added that many are also musically creative, as shown by the 138 performers involved, including fifty ASML employees.
A rigorous selection process
Interest in performing is so high that a formal selection procedure has been introduced in collaboration with the Muziekgebouw. This year, the organisers received no fewer than 100 applications. To ensure a balanced and high-quality programme, every group must include at least one ASML employee and submit an audition video. The final choices are made based on both quality and diversity, with preparations for the festival beginning roughly six months in advance.
Vibrant vibes
A Colombian dance ensemble greeted the audience at the entrance with a vibrant and colourful performance. Sally Oceana of Grupo Colombia describes, “We delivered a lively ‘Dance Battle’ that showcased Colombia’s cultural diversity. The performance moved across the geographies of Colombia, while the finale featured a playful face‑off between Cali’s classic salsa and the urban energy of salsa choke”.
Inside the Main Hall, the opening act by the samba dancers and big band of Os Malandros swept away the crowd. The tropical rhythms of Brazilian culture brought a lively energy to the heart of the Brainport region. Following them, the New Orleans-inspired Aeris Brass Band played to a full house, performing a mixed repertoire of jazzy pop covers and hip-hop. Their jazz solos and joyful rhythms created a truly vibrant atmosphere. Ruj, a Turkish modern rock band, captivated audiences with hauntingly powerful tracks such as ‘Kurtar Beni’ and ‘Bu Gunes Yakar Bizi’, among other numbers.
Colourful classics and glowing finesse
The evening was marked with an Indian classical performance, Natanam. It brought the beauty of classical Indian dance to life while celebrating South India’s rich cultural heritage through dance, music and emotive storytelling.
Following this, a six-member dance ensemble moved to electronic, hip-hop, and world music beats, featuring rhythmic moments and captivating LED lights.
Melancholic melodies and classical transitions
In contrast to the high-energy main stage, the smaller hall (kleine zaal) featured soothing and melancholic piano landscapes. For the pianist, Thomas, music is a way to dream, wander, and relax, allowing him to communicate where words cannot reach. The programme then moved into classics and blues. Yuan Yuan, dressed in red, presented a selection of classical music, crossover pieces, and popular songs, bridging traditional and modern styles. The performances continued with Dyami van Kooten Passaro, a self-taught musician who enchanted the audience with solo finger-style guitar covers and a hint of playful, playful gestures.
Mieke and her husband, who live nearby, were recommended by their international neighbour to go to ASML on Stage. ” For 8 Euros, which includes two drinks, I was sceptical about the quality of the show, but it turned out to be an excellent decision”. They are so impressed that they will mark it in their annual agenda. The evening continued with Karaoke, many other wonderful performances and an energetic DJ.
NEWS BRAINPORT
