Richenel
Beyond the Voice
15 - 27 September 2025
Memorial Concert and Exhibition
Amsterdam – On Sunday, September 21, 2025, Paradiso will host a musical tribute to Richenel (Amsterdam 1957-2020), the versatile artist who rose to international fame in the 1980s with his hit Dance Around the World. With his distinctive voice, theatrical presence, and strong sense of aesthetics, he secured a unique place in both the music and art worlds.
Richenel passed away just before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, a collective moment of remembrance was long delayed. This late summer, his legacy will finally be celebrated with a two-part program: a memorial concert at Paradiso and an exhibition at Kyas Art Salon, where his musical, visual, and creative work will be brought together.
Musical Tribute at Paradiso
The concert will take place in the Upstairs Room at Paradiso and begins at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 7:00 p.m.). A carefully curated line-up—featuring Eddy de Clercq, John Oldenstam, Maxime Duvall, Gunnar Indiana Smith, Fatima-Zohra Buurman, Farida Merville, and Frank Wijdenbosch—will present works from Richenel’s repertoire in new interpretations. Music and personal memories will merge into an intimate portrait of the artist.
Visual Legacy at Kyas Art Salon
From September 15 through 27, 2025, Kyas Art Salon (Keizersgracht 221, 1016 DV Amsterdam) will present a selection from Richenel’s visual oeuvre, including drawings, sketches, and paintings that were made by or of him. These works highlight the more a lesser known and contemplative side of his artistry, where identity and personal symbolism take center stage.
The exhibition has no formal opening, but can be visited on appointment and will conclude on September 27 with a festive finissage (5:00–8:00 p.m.)—an occasion to celebrate Richenel’s oeuvre with music, drinks, and a DJ set by Eddy de Clercq, who shared both an artistic and personal bond with him. There will also be a memorial wall where you can leave a message for Richenel.
Practical Information
Memorial Concert – Paradiso, Upstairs Room
Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025
Location: Paradiso, Amsterdam
Doors open: 7:00 p.m.
Start: 7:30 p.m.
Exhibition – Kyas Art Salon
Location: Keizersgracht 221, 1016 DV Amsterdam
Dates: September 15–27, 2025
finissage: September 27, 2025 – 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., DJ set by Eddy de Clercq