Beyond Darklands

Carmen, fetish & fatal attraction

We are delighted to welcome you to the eighth edition of Beyond Classic in the beautiful and historic AMUZ. Each year, this concert aims to do more than present exceptional artistry. It seeks to speak with intention.

In recent years, we have all witnessed increasing polarization and a decline in values such as acceptance, hospitality and empathy, especially toward those who face exclusion. Even within our Queer community, moments of shame and hesitation too often replace the pride that once carried us forward and empowered us for decades. Across the world, anti-gender and anti-queer attitudes continue to rise, driven by fear and stereotypes.

The fetish community has always possessed a powerful language of resistance, expression and courage. Beyond Classic uses that voice to affirm a message of humanism and solidarity. Over time, this concert has developed its own story, one that brings together people with different backgrounds, identities, philosophies and passions. Those who join us tonight share a curiosity to learn from each other, to connect, to be moved and to be inspired. We believe firmly in the strength that grows from meeting, discovering and expressing ourselves without shame.

This evening, every artist on stage embraces and communicates that vision through music and dance.

Beyond Classic Antwerp is created entirely by volunteers and all artists offer their performances as a gift. With the generous support of our partners and sponsors covering most production costs, we are able to raise the maximum possible amount for our chosen charities.

Opera icon Iris Vermillion brings her extraordinary voice to Beyond Classic, joined by Susanne Elmark, Justin Habermann, Dietrich Henschel and Gregory Frateur for an evening of unforgettable highlights from the operatic world.

This edition also features a brand-new creation by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, one of the most influential choreographers of our time, who presents a new work crafted especially for Beyond Classic and performed by two exceptional dancers.

Cast & crew

Keynote
Suzanne van de Laar – Miss Leather 2019,
Chair stichting Amsterdam Pride & Worldpride 2026

Singers
Susanne Elmark – Soprano
Iris Vermillion – Mezzosoprano
Dietrich Henschel – Bass Baritone
Gregory Frateur – Singer songwriter performer

Dramaturgy & Moderation
Thomas Höft

Choreographer
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui

Performers
Nelson Earl (Eastman) – Dancer
Mason Kelly (Eastman) – Dancer
N.N. – Flamenco
Mareike Franz – Clown
Adrian Schvarzstein – Clown

Musicians (Fetish Baroque)
Barbara Konrad – Violin 1
Agata Front – Violin 2
Gunda Hagmüller-Wieninger – Viola
Sylvain Rullier – Violoncello
Georg Kroneis – Double bass
Sofie Vanden Eynde – Theorbo
Ivan Trenev – Accordion
Michael Hell – Harpsichord & recorder

Production
Michael Hell Artistic – Musical Director
Georg Kroneis – Artistic Director
Bart Abeel – Production Director

Tickets

Tickets are now available in the Beyond Darklands ticket shop.

Category A
Category B
Category C
Category D
Category E

Beneficiaries

Beyond Classic Antwerp is organised by volunteers. Most of the production costs (venue rent, musicians, sound and lights, and catering) are donated by our generous partners and sponsors. This way, we can generate the maximum amount of money
from the concert to donate to charity.

2026: Fetish@Pride.Amsterdam

The proceeds from Beyond Classic 2026 will go to Fetish@Pride.Amsterdam and the travel funds of thetitleholders elected during Beyond Darklands. With this support, we help the iconic Fetish Boat sail in the Canal Parade at next year’s WorldPride in Amsterdam, a powerful symbol of visibility, safety and connection. Fetish is not just style, it’s history, resistance and self-expression. From the canals of Amsterdam to the dance floors of Beyond Darklands, we celebrate pride, freedom and the right to be yourself.

Fetish@Pride.Amsterdam 2025

Jeroen Van Lievenoogen donating $ 5000 to Leather Archives & Museum.

2025: Leather Archives & Museum

Last year’s proceeds went to the Leather Archives & Museum and the travel funds of the titleholders elected at Darklands.

The LA&M is one of the most significant accomplishments of the late 20th century movement for the rights, dignity, improved status, and self-acceptance of the leather and kink populations.

The museum recently launched a campaign to raise $ 2 million for much-needed renovations including making the entire collection wheelchair accessible.

Program

Part 1

Georg Philipp Telemann (1681 – 1767)

From: Ouverture Burlesque de Quixotte G-Dur
Ouverture
Instrumental Ensemble

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), arr. Michael Hell

“Deh vieni alla finestra”
Cavatina from Don Giovanni
Dietrich Henschel, Ensemble

Georg Philipp Telemann (1681 – 1767)

From: Ouverture Burlesque de Quixotte G-Dur
Le Reveil de Quixotte
Instrumental Ensemble, Mareike Franz & Adrian Schvarzstein

Dez Mona, arr. Michael Hell?

N.N.
Gregory Frateur & Ensemble

Gioacchino Rossini (1792-1868), arr. Michael Hell

“Largo al factotum”
Cavatina from Il barbiere di Siviglia
für Kontrabass solo & Ensemble, Mareike Franz & Adrian Schvarzstein

Georges Bizet (1883-1875), arr. Michael Hell

“Près des remparts de Séville”
Séguedille from Carmen
Iris Vermillion, Ensemble

Georg Philipp Telemann

aus: Ouverture Burlesque de Quixotte G-Dur
Sanche Panche berné/Le Galope de Roscinante.
Ses Soupirs amoureux après la Princesse Dulcinée

Séguedille from Carmen
Instrumental Ensemble, Mareike Franz & Adrian Schvarzstein

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), arr. Michael Hell

“Vedrai carino”
Aria from Don Giovanni
Susanne Elmark, Ensemble

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791), arr. Michael Hell

“La ci darem la mano”
Duetto from Don Giovanni
Susanne Elmark & Dietrich Henschel, Ensemble

Part 2

Robert Stolz (1880-1975), arr. Michael Hell

“Auch Du wirst mich einmal betrügen”
Iris Vermillion, Ensemble

Padre Antonio Soler (1729-1783)

Fandango
for harpsichord solo
Michael Hell, Cembalo Solo & Flamenco N.N.

Francesco Sartori (*1957), arr. Michael Hell

“Time to say goodbye”
Susanne Elmark, Ensemble

Emile Waldteufel (1837-1915), arr. Michael Hell

Walzer Espagna
for Akkordeon solo, Ensemble

Georges Bizet, arr. Michael Hell

“Votre toast, je peux vous le rendre”
Aria from Carmen
Dietrich Henschel & Susanne Elmark & Iris Vermillion, Ensemble

Georg Philipp Telemann

from: Ouverture Burlesque de Quixotte G-Dur
Son Attaque des Moulins à Vent : Très vite
Instrumental Ensemble, Mareike Franz & Adrian Schvarzstein

Dez Mona, arr. Michael Hell

“Does it make you happy“
Gregory Frateur, Ensemble

Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957), arr. Michael Hell

“Glück, das mir verblieb”
Iris Vermillion, Nelson Earl & Mason Kelly from Eastman, Ensemble
Choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui

Harold Arlen (1905 – 1986), arr. Michael Hell

“Somewhere over the rainbow”
from the movie Wizzard of Oz
Tutti

Impressions

Discover what Beyond Classic is about in the videos and pictures below.