The Uitmarkt on the Museumplein in Amsterdam will be opened this year by Willeke Alberti. She makes an exception on Friday evening to perform in front of a large audience again. Then it’s done with performances in front of a large audience.
Although the now 77-year-old singer still performs, she never does that in theaters or on other major stages. She still sings for charities and in retirement homes, but now she returns for once on a big stage.
The opening of the Uitmarkt is special to her, as can be read in the announcement. “I would very much like to reminisce together in Amsterdam on the Museumplein with my band and for my loyal audience,” she says. “Singing together, laughing together and having fun together; that’s what everyone wants.”
And even if it is not a final goodbye, it is the end of an era. The general public has one last chance to see the singer on a large stage in her beloved Amsterdam. Whoever says Willeke Alberti also says Amsterdam. That is why AT5 went into the city to ask Amsterdammers about their sentiment with the singer. “There is only one Willeke,” says a woman. “Here in Amsterdam, she’s quite a heroine.”
song of life
The singer was born as the eldest child of Willy Alberti, one of the greatest and most famous singers from the Jordaan. He sang opera, but also the life song. Something that daughter Willeke proudly continued and with which she can still move many listeners. “She always makes me so enraptured,” said one fan. “When I put on the song ‘Wonderen’ I get goosebumps. Then I always think of my parents and my children. Then I think ‘you sing that beautifully’. It is the most beautiful thing she has ever sung. Willeke, thank you .”
The Uitmarkt will start on Friday evening at 7 pm and the performance of Willeke Alberti will start at 8.30 pm.