Het Muzieklokaal is a music café in Utrecht that I heard about when it opened just over a year ago…read moreand finally had the chance to visit. Such a cool idea, it's a normal enough cafe but then with a grand piano in the middle. Why? Because they regularly have performances here by musicians and ensembles! I came on Sunday, where their regularly scheduled classical music hour happens from 16.00 to 17.00. My excuse for coming was that an old friend of mine was playing, but I was also curious to see the café. It was very busy but the waitstaff quickly came and took my order at my table. It took a while for my coffee to arrive but it was fine. A little before 16.00 the musicians appeared and started to tune their instruments. When they were ready to play the proprietor whistled to get everyone's attention and introduced the artists. The concert is in principle 2x20 mins with a 20 min pause in between. During the concert everyone stayed silent and listened (or continued to work on their computers) and the staff came around with drink orders for anything except coffee or tea - because the coffee machine makes too much sound to use during the concert!
Overall I found the atmosphere really nice. I was really impressed how attentive the audience was, and it's such a nice relaxed and informal atmosphere to experience classical music in. Families came with their small children so they could look at the instruments close up, university students took a break from writing papers to listen to Bach, and there were quite a few people who came specifically for the concert. They have all sorts of concerts and activities so I highly recommend checking out the agenda on their website. But if you love music, coffee, and cocktails, then this is your place!!!!!