How do you do justice to the remarkable history of the city of Almere?

From vast waters to solid ground, from flat plains to rising skylines. A young history, where stone and greenery together shape the city’s identity. A place now home to nearly 220,000 people — on its way to becoming the fifth-largest city in the Netherlands.

 

Black Pencil lays a new musical foundation for this story of bold development. Arnoud Noordegraaf’s accessible composition is a blend of poetic sounds and energetic, rhythmic structures. You’re listening to the character of the city and the unfolding of its history.

 

What can you still see today of how it once was? And what will you see in the future? Video artist Marcel Wierckx constructs a powerful Virtual Reality experience using archival footage and future plans. A richly varied, spatial experience — without the need to physically move. The human dimension gains a resonant voice through the personal stories of people born in Almere.

 

‘100 Years of Almere’ is an ongoing 8-minute performance. Seated on a wooden cube, the visitor travels through time and space, experiencing the music quite literally through vibrations and visual stimuli. Who better than Black Pencil, based in Almere, to bring its deep connection to the city to life in this multifaceted form? 

 

The ensemble also took part in the opening of the world horticultural exhibition Floriade Expo 2022, held in the city. Past, present, and future: through music, we draw the connecting thread. Let us captivate your senses with this vibrant performance celebrating 100 Years of Almere!