ABN AMRO Open Reunites with Rotterdam Philharmonic for New Tournament Anthem
ROTTERDAM — The worlds of elite tennis and classical music are set to collide once again in Rotterdam. Ten years after their inaugural partnership, the ABN AMRO Open has announced a renewed collaboration with the renowned Rotterdams Philharmonisch Orkest, featuring a brand-new musical composition commissioned specifically for the 2026 tournament.
The reunion marks a significant cultural crossover for the city, bringing the grandeur of the orchestra into the high-octane environment of the Rotterdam Ahoy.
Elevating the Centre Court Experience
The newly composed score will play a central role throughout the upcoming edition of the tournament. Organizers have revealed that the music will not merely be a recorded backdrop; musicians from the orchestra will perform live on Centre Court.
This live accompaniment is designed to create a unique entrance for world-class players, adding a layer of symphonic drama and atmosphere as they step onto the court. The initiative aims to blend the tension of professional competition with the emotive power of live orchestral music.
A First Listen at De Doelen
To celebrate the renewed partnership, a special sneak peek video was recorded at De Doelen, the concert hall that serves as the home base for the orchestra. The video captures the reactions of Tournament Director Richard Krajicek, Tournament Director of the wheelchair tennis tournament Esther Vergeer, and presenter Jan Kooijman as they listen to the new composition for the very first time.
United by Rotterdam Roots
Beyond the spectacle, the partnership highlights the deep connection both organizations have with their home city. By bringing together one of the Netherlands’ most prestigious sporting events and one of Europe’s finest orchestras, the collaboration demonstrates how sport and culture can strengthen one another.
When the tournament begins, the music is expected to set the tone on Centre Court, creating a stage where top-level tennis meets live symphonic sound.