Imagine inviting your friends and family for an evening of live piano music. No concert hall, no crowds, no travelling home afterwards. Just you, your guests, a piano and an evening of wonderful music.
For more than 30 years, pianist Fred Händl has been performing for audiences in all kinds of settings — from small, intimate gatherings to festivals and concert venues. He brings that experience into your home, creating an evening that is personal, engaging and full of musical surprises.
Expect beautiful melodies, original music, improvisation, moments that move you, a little humour and, above all, a pianist who genuinely enjoys sharing music with people.
Your own
little theatre
An evening out — without leaving home.
There is something special about hearing a pianist perform just a few metres away. The music feels closer, the atmosphere is more personal, and the evening belongs entirely to you and your guests.
Think of it as having your own little theatre for an evening. Your guests come together, take their seats and enjoy a proper live performance. Fred knows how to hold an audience's attention and shape an evening that is musical, accessible, touching and memorable.
Some moments may be quiet and reflective; others might bring a smile. There is room for serious music, unexpected turns and a little humour along the way.
A concert, not background music.
House concerts are for people who want to listen to live music. This is a seated concert, rather like a small theatre performance in your own home. Drinks, dinner and conversation are lovely parts of an evening together — but while the concert is on, the music takes centre stage.
Every evening
is different
A personal performance, shaped around the room and the people in it.
Fred's music is melodic, emotional and accessible without being ordinary. It can be touching and reflective, deep and substantial, but always with an ear for a beautiful melody and a sense of connection with the audience.
The programme brings together original compositions, improvisations and carefully chosen pieces. Fred adapts the music to the atmosphere of the home and the people who have gathered there. No two homes are alike, no two audiences are alike — and no two concerts are quite the same.
Have a special piece in mind? Requests are welcome, too. Just let Fred know well in advance, so there is time to prepare them properly.
If you enjoy melodic piano music with emotional depth and a cinematic touch, you may find something familiar here. But Fred isn't setting out to imitate anyone. Over the years, he has developed his own musical language — and every house concert has its own character.
Small room.
Big occasion.
From a handful of friends to a full living room.
A house concert doesn't need a grand piano, a huge living room or a special occasion. Fred is just as happy playing for two to six people in a cosy room as for a larger audience of 25 or more in a spacious home.
There is no minimum audience size and no fixed guest list. The right setting is simply one where everyone can sit comfortably and enjoy the performance.
You don't even need a reason to celebrate. Perhaps you simply love music and would like to share a special evening with the people closest to you. That's reason enough.
Have a piano?
Wonderful.
Let's make sure it's ready for its evening in the spotlight.
Fred always prefers to play an acoustic piano. If you have one, that's a great place to start — but it's important that the instrument is in reasonably good playing condition and properly tuned.
A piano that hasn't been played for years may need a little attention. Before confirming your concert, Fred will ask you a few questions about the instrument and may ask for a photograph or short video. The keys and sustain pedal should work properly, without sticking keys or distracting mechanical noises.
No piano at home? No problem. Fred can bring his own digital piano and amplification. He'll take care of the music-related equipment; all you need to provide is a space of approximately 2 × 2 metres.
If you'd prefer to have a real acoustic piano for the occasion, renting one may also be possible. Just mention it when you get in touch.
From hello
to concert night
No complicated booking system. Just a conversation.
Get in touch
Send Fred an email with a little information about your plans, your location and the kind of evening you have in mind.
Have a chat
Fred will get back to you to arrange a phone call. You can talk through the details, ask questions and find out whether the concert is right for your home and occasion.
Confirm the evening
After your conversation, you'll receive an email summarising the arrangements and costs. Once everything is agreed, the date can be confirmed.
The details
A few things worth knowing before the evening.
Two sets of live piano music, totalling 1 hour and 45 minutes, with a short break in between.
Based on one-way travel time. The first 30 minutes of travel are included.
When Fred brings his own instrument and amplification. Please allow approximately 2 × 2 metres of space.
For journeys taking more than two hours by car or train, overnight accommodation close to the concert location is required.
Every home and journey is different. Fred will discuss the details with you beforehand and provide a clear breakdown of the total cost before you confirm your booking.
Questions?
A few answers to things you might be wondering.
Can I hear or watch Fred play before booking?
Absolutely. Fred has released several solo piano albums, which you can explore on the Discography page. You'll also find plenty of piano performances on his YouTube channel.
He doesn't publish recordings of his house concerts, because he wants to keep those evenings private for the people who host them. During your own concert, however, you're welcome to take photographs or record video and share it. It's your home and your evening.
Can I book Fred if I don't have a piano?
Yes. Fred can bring his digital piano and an amplifier. He'll take care of the music equipment; you'll just need to provide a space of approximately 2 × 2 metres. The equipment supplement is €150. Renting an acoustic piano for the occasion may also be possible — just ask.
What kind of music can I expect?
An evening of melodic, emotional and engaging piano music: original compositions, improvisations and pieces selected to suit the atmosphere and audience. Requests are welcome when discussed well in advance, so Fred has time to prepare them.
How many people can attend?
That's entirely up to your home and the space available. Fred is happy to play for a small group of two to six people or for a larger audience of 25 or more. The important thing is that everyone has a comfortable seat and can listen to the music.
What should I do to prepare?
Very little. Make sure there's a suitable piano, or arrange for Fred to bring his own. If he brings his digital piano, please allow approximately 2 × 2 metres of space. You can enjoy the concert privately or invite friends and family to join you.
Can we serve dinner or snacks?
Of course. It's your home, so make yourself at home. Dinner before the concert is a lovely way to start the evening. If the concert begins at 8 pm, for example, serving dinner around 6 pm works well. During the performance, though, it's best to let the music have everyone's attention rather than serving or eating a meal.
What happens after the concert?
If Fred has brought his own piano, he'll pack up his equipment, thank you and make his way home. And if there's time and you're happy to invite him, he'll gladly stay for a drink and a chat.
How far does Fred travel?
Fred is happy to travel throughout the Netherlands and, by arrangement, further afield. Travel is calculated on one-way travel time, with the first 30 minutes included. For journeys taking more than two hours by car or train, overnight accommodation close to the concert location is required.
Can I arrange a surprise concert?
That sounds like a wonderful idea. A private concert can be a lovely surprise for a birthday, anniversary or simply because. Get in touch and we'll talk through how to make it happen.
When should I book?
It's always worth getting in touch as early as possible, especially if you have a particular date in mind. Fred will check his availability and discuss the possibilities with you.
Shall we make
an evening of it?
Tell Fred a little about your plans. Whether you already have a date in mind or are simply curious about the possibilities, the first step is an email and a conversation.
piano@fredhandl.com