“Madame Bovary: Her Story in Music” Brought to Life at Royal Concertgebouw
Amsterdam, 4 December 2025 – The Royal Concertgebouw played host to a stunning live performance of “Madame Bovary: Her Story in Music” on 6 November 2025. The concert, which fused classical composition, operatic storytelling, and lyrical narrative, brought Gustave Flaubert’s iconic heroine to life in a mesmerizing and intimate experience.
The star soprano of the André Rieu Orchestra, Anna Majchrzak, performed the full suite of songs from her latest album, giving guests a rare glimpse into the artistry behind the project. The emotional depth of the album was on full display, with behind-the-scenes insights into the collaborative process that brought this reinterpretation of Flaubert’s literary masterpiece to fruition.
The event drew an extraordinary group of guests from the cultural and media landscape, including Hans van Veggel of the Joop van den Ende Foundation, acclaimed composer Ferdi Bolland, known for creating Falco’s “Amadeus,” and Jeroen Schuiten from NOS’s Nieuwsuur. Renowned presenter Ivo Niehe of “Ivo op Zondag” on NPO1 and Dick Bakker, conductor of the Metropole Orkest, were also in attendance.
For those who were unable to attend, a short event excerpt is available here: https://vimeo.com/1140488264/f34286aab8
The performance is part of a larger creative vision that continues to resonate with listeners globally. Released on 26 September 2025, “Madame Bovary: Her Story in Music” stands as Anna Majchrzak’s most ambitious project to date, combining musical virtuosity with emotional storytelling to explore the inner life of one of literature’s most complex characters.
Bridging Literature and Modern Music
The album, “Madame Bovary: Her Story in Music,” reimagines Flaubert’s 1857 novel as a contemporary song cycle. Each track follows the emotional journey of Emma Bovary, from her youthful dreams and desires to her heartbreak and longing, offering listeners a fresh and immersive experience.
Award-winning Dutch composer Piet Souer crafted evocative musical arrangements that blend classical traditions with cinematic textures. Grammy-nominated lyricist Mary Susan Applegate contributed deeply resonant lyrics, allowing each song to capture Emma’s inner voice in an authentic and accessible way. Together, their collaboration with Majchrzak creates a seamless intersection of music and literature.
This approach invites audiences to experience Emma Bovary’s story in a new light. By translating the novel’s emotional depth into music, the project opens classical storytelling to contemporary listeners, making Flaubert’s timeless themes of longing, passion, and self-discovery feel immediate and personal.
A Musical Interpretation of a Timeless Story
The compositions on the album explore the full spectrum of human emotion. From quiet introspection to soaring vocal climaxes, each song reflects the complexity of Emma Bovary’s character. The project balances technical precision with raw feeling, creating a work that is cinematic in scope yet intimate in its expression.
Listeners are not only invited to enjoy the music but to connect with Emma’s journey on an emotional level. Themes of desire, disillusionment, and the universal search for meaning resonate across generations, demonstrating the enduring power of classical music when intertwined with literature.
Anna Majchrzak: A Voice for Emma
Anna Majchrzak brings extraordinary depth and nuance to the role of Emma Bovary. As a soprano with the André Rieu Orchestra, she has performed for millions worldwide, from Vienna to Buenos Aires, earning praise for her luminous tone and expressive authenticity.
In this project, Majchrzak’s performance transforms literary introspection into vibrant musical storytelling. The album, recorded in the Netherlands with a world-class ensemble, exemplifies her dedication to combining technical excellence with emotional resonance. Through her voice, Emma Bovary’s internal struggles are given life, making her story accessible to both classical music enthusiasts and literary audiences alike.
Majchrzak’s connection to the project is deeply personal. The emotional resonance of Emma’s story and the creative collaboration with Souer and Applegate have shaped a body of work that reflects both the power of classical music and the timelessness of human emotion.
The Cultural Significance
“Madame Bovary: Her Story in Music” sits at the intersection of literature, music, and performance, demonstrating how classic storytelling can be reinterpreted for contemporary audiences. By bringing Emma Bovary’s journey into song, Majchrzak and her collaborators bridge the 19th century and the modern era, making complex emotions tangible and engaging.
The project highlights the relevance of interdisciplinary creativity in today’s cultural landscape. It speaks not only to lovers of classical music
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.