How can music, art and science inspire us to think differently about climate change and the world we leave to future generations? The first Children’s Climate Concert Day (Kinder Klimaat Concert Dag) brings together young people, musicians, artists and scientists to do exactly that.
Climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time, with far-reaching consequences for our environment, society and health. While much of the discussion focuses on facts, figures and targets, the Children’s Climate Concert Day takes a different approach: putting the perspective of children and young people centre stage.
Through music, dance, art and poetry, children are given a platform to express their thoughts, questions and hopes for the future. The initiative aims to create a positive and hopeful message, while at the same time highlighting the urgency of climate action.
Preserving our seasons
The first edition centres around the theme “Behoud onze seizoenen” – “Preserving our seasons”. During a special afternoon concert, more than 80 young musical talents will bring the four seasons to life through classical music, jazz, dance and percussion.
The programme ranges from Vivaldi and Piazzolla to contemporary music, including the premiere of a new composition by Dutch Children’s Composer Laureate Kobus Jansen. More than 500 children will also contribute to the event through drawings inspired by the seasons.
Science has an important place in the programme as well. Before each season, children will share questions about climate change that concern them, with Professor Erik van Sebille of Utrecht University providing clear and accessible scientific explanations.
Bringing generations together
The conversation continues after the concert. The foyer programme creates an opportunity for children, scientists and representatives from universities, business, politics and the energy transition to meet and exchange ideas. Secondary school students from Utrecht University’s U-Talent programme will also present their own climate-related research.
The initiative was founded by sisters Luna and Donna van Leeuwen, both young musicians who wanted to use the emotional power of music to draw attention to climate change. Their idea started around the kitchen table and has since grown into a national initiative. In April 2026, the project won the Young Impact Award 2026 in the Climate category.
Sustainability starts with the future
For ESCH-R, the message behind the Children’s Climate Concert Day strongly resonates with our own ambitions. Creating a more sustainable and circular society – including a more sustainable healthcare system – requires not only research and innovation, but also awareness, dialogue and the willingness to look beyond today.
And who better to remind us of that than the generations who will experience the consequences of the choices we make now?
The first Children’s Climate Concert Day is a wonderful invitation to listen – not only to the music, but especially to the voices of the future.
Interested in the programme or attending the Children’s Climate Concert Day?
Visit the Kinder Klimaat Concert Dag website for more information and tickets.
