It´s time again for the annual Smartlappen Festival in Utrecht. This is when people all over the city gather in cafés and restaurants to listen, and often sing along, to lots of classic Dutch songs. Smartlappen translates to tear jerker, but they´re not all sad songs, by any means. It can be quite the wild and cheerful event!

This year, as part of the Utrecht Schreeuwt Om Cultuur events, there will also be a very special performance of Beethoven´s Ninth Symphony in the Neude. The classic piece has been reworked for classic, hip hop, and smartlappen versions! The performance will feature 1,000 voices, an orchestra, and the carillon of the Dom. The event takes place Saturday, from 13:30 to 15:00, with the main concert starting at 14:00.

The rest of the Smartlappen events take place this weekend, November 19, 20, and 21 at locations throughout the city. For the full program, check the festival´s website. And of course, there´s an app for that. The Smartlap Layer App is available for download for both iPhone and Android, and it will help you find all the locations where performances are taking place.