Symfonie van Liefde (Symphony of Love)

Act 1: De Ontwaking van de Liefde (The Awakening of Love)

Settings: Amsterdam & Rotterdam (Netherlands) | Brussels & Bruges (Belgium) | Paris (France) | Geneva, Lausanne & Montreux (Switzerland) | New York & Los Angeles (USA)

• Tulp Bakker is introduced as a gifted and passionate opera singer from a wealthy family, celebrated for her extraordinary voice and captivating stage presence.

• At Amsterdam’s renowned opera house, Het Zwanenmeer Paleis, Tulp delivers a breathtaking aria, captivating the audience with her vocal power and emotional depth.

• Backstage, Marijke van der Hoek, the seasoned director of Het Zwanenmeer Paleis, offers Tulp guidance and encouragement, mentoring her with wisdom and warmth.

• Ruben Meijer, a charismatic rock star, electrifies an Amsterdam music festival with a soulful, high-energy set, mesmerizing the crowd with his charisma and powerful voice.

• Ruben’s bandmates—Wouter van Dijk, Lars Klaassen, and Niels van Houten—support his performances, enhancing the festival scenes with camaraderie, energy, and creative depth.

• Evelien Visser, owner of Het Koffiekoor, welcomes Tulp and Ruben to her cozy café, creating a warm setting that sparks their first meaningful conversation and connection.

• Hansje Kuiper, a glamorous and cunning pop diva, dazzles the audience at an Amsterdam gala with a high-energy performance. Afterward, she becomes infatuated with Ruben, igniting a rivalry with Tulp.

• Hansje conspires with her parents, Michiel and Neeltje Kuiper, to advance her fame, undermine Tulp’s career, and capture Ruben’s attention.

• Ruben's twin sister, Robijn Meijer, quietly supports him, encouraging his music, attending performances, and observing his romantic life, while pursuing her own opera ambitions and providing a calm, thoughtful presence.

• In Rotterdam, Tulp and Ruben share a spontaneous duet at an open-air concert, deepening their connection, while Hansje schemes to upstage Tulp with a rival performance.

• In Brussels, Tulp performs at La Monnaie, showcasing her operatic brilliance and gaining admiration from an international audience.

• In Bruges, Tulp and Ruben share a quiet, romantic moment by the canals, exploring the city’s charm and hinting at a growing love.

• At the Grand Théâtre de Genève, Tulp performs while Ruben surprises her backstage with flowers, demonstrating his support and affection.

• In Lausanne, Tulp and Ruben share a rooftop duet at sunset, their voices blending beautifully over the city and Lake Geneva, deepening their emotional connection.

• At the Montreux Jazz Festival, Ruben performs a song inspired by Tulp, leading to an impromptu duet that delights the crowd and strengthens their bond.

• In Paris, Tulp performs at the historic Palais Garnier, where Ruben surprises her with a serenade in the opera house’s grand foyer, creating a magical, unforgettable duet.

• Ruben performs for Tulp on a Seine River cruise, while Hansje watches enviously, plotting her next move to overshadow Tulp.

• Tulp debuts at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, where Ruben surprises her backstage, culminating in a passionate rooftop duet overlooking the skyline.

• In Los Angeles, Tulp and Ruben perform a dazzling rooftop duet at a Hollywood gala, cementing their romantic and artistic bond, while Hansje continues her scheming.

Act 2: Reizen van het Hart (Journeys of the Heart)

Settings: Amsterdam, Giethoorn & Lisse (Netherlands) | London & Edinburgh (UK) | Dublin (Ireland) | Berlin & Munich (Germany) | Vienna & Salzburg (Austria) | Prague (Czechia) | Kraków (Poland) 

• Gregoor Bakker, Tulp’s grandfather, offers wise counsel and heartfelt support as she navigates career pressures and romantic challenges, helping her stay grounded amidst the whirlwind of her life.

• Antoon Bakker, Tulp’s father, provides practical guidance on balancing family expectations with her ambitions, supporting her decisions regarding tours and performances with quiet reassurance.

• Truus Bakker, Tulp’s mother, serves as an emotional anchor, mediating tensions between Tulp, Hansje, and Ruben, and offering comfort during moments of doubt.

• Koenraad Bakker, Tulp’s younger brother, brings humor and lightness to the family dynamic, lifting spirits during challenging moments.

• In Giethoorn, Tulp and Ruben share a peaceful, romantic boat ride through the serene canals, reflecting on their journey together and the growing depth of their bond.

• At Lisse’s Keukenhof, amid vibrant tulip fields, they perform an inspiring outdoor duet, their love and creativity blooming alongside the colorful scenery—symbolizing harmony between nature and passion.

• At London’s Royal Albert Hall, Tulp and Ruben surprise the audience with a breathtaking duet blending opera and rock, captivating everyone and strengthening both their professional and romantic connection.

• In Edinburgh, they explore the historic city together and perform a rooftop duet overlooking the castle at sunset, merging romance, music, and inspiration as their emotional bond deepens.

• In Dublin, they deliver a soulful duet at the Abbey Theatre, blending Irish influences with opera-rock, earning a standing ovation, and later share quiet moments along the River Liffey, deepening their connection.

• At the Berliner Philharmonie, they perform a fusion duet, followed by a reflective evening along the Spree, furthering both their creative and romantic bond.

• In Munich, they rehearse on a rooftop at Schloss Nymphenburg and perform a festive classical-meets-modern concert, blending tradition with innovation, while Hansje schemes to undermine Tulp’s confidence and reputation.

• In Vienna, Tulp reunites with Rianne de Jong, her glamorous childhood friend and talented opera singer, who offers guidance and encouragement as Tulp navigates her career choices and rivalry with Hansje.

• Tulp and Rianne perform a harmonically rich duet at the Wiener Staatsoper, blending their voices in a heartfelt aria that symbolizes friendship, resilience, and artistic unity against Hansje's machinations. 

• In Salzburg, Tulp and Ruben perform a magical duet at the Mirabell Palace gardens, merging opera and contemporary music amid baroque architecture and fountains, symbolizing their artistic harmony and growing romance.

• Hansje attempts to woo Ruben with excessive compliments about his talent and charisma, hoping to make Tulp jealous.

• In Prague, Tulp and Ruben deliver a captivating opera-rock duet at the historic Estates Theatre and share a quiet romantic moment along the Vltava River, further deepening their love and creative bond.

• In Kraków, Tulp and Ruben perform an emotional duet at the historic Wawel Castle, followed by a quiet romantic moment along the Vistula River, deepening their love and creative bond.

Act 3: De Ontdekking van de Ziel (The Discovery of the Soul)

Settings: Amsterdam, Utrecht & Den Haag (Netherlands) | Zürich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, Grindelwald, Gstaad, Davos & St. Moritz (Switzerland) | Athens & Santorini (Greece) | Rome, Pisa & Florence (Italy)

• Bjorn Meijer, Ruben’s father, serves as his emotional anchor, guiding him toward maturity and reinforcing his commitment to Tulp through heartfelt conversations about legacy and love.

• Karlijn Meijer, Ruben’s mother, offers gentle wisdom and emotional support, fostering harmony between Ruben and Tulp and guiding them toward a future of mutual respect and artistic balance.

• Pastoor Franske van der Zee serves as a spiritual guide in the story’s most introspective moments, offering sincere counsel as the characters face ethical dilemmas, personal doubts, and the pressures of rivalry and fame.

• Stefaan Vermeer, a professional concert organizer, discreetly manages Tulp’s tours and performances, providing guidance amid conflicts with Hansje and supporting her career.

• In Utrecht, Tulp and Ruben share a reflective moment atop the Dom Tower, performing a heartfelt rooftop duet as the sun sets over the city.

• In Den Haag, Tulp and Robijn perform a heartfelt duet at the Koninklijk Huis, highlighting their mutual support and shared operatic talent.

• In the Swiss towns—Zürich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Zermatt, Grindelwald, Davos, St. Moritz, and Gstaad—they explore the Alps and lakes, performing intimate duets in scenic locations. These moments deepen their bond and prompt reflection on life and love.

• In Athens, they explore ancient ruins, including the Acropolis, and perform a sunset duet near the Parthenon, reflecting on history, legacy, and the timeless nature of love and art.

• In Santorini, they share a romantic, emotional duet on a cliffside terrace overlooking the caldera at sunset, their voices merging with the sea and sky—symbolizing passion, freedom, and the peak of their emotional connection.

• In Rome, they perform a spontaneous duet in Piazza Navona, attracting an impromptu crowd, and visit the Colosseum and Vatican, contemplating love, ambition, and the intersection of art and life.

• At Teatro di Marcello, Tulp and Hansje perform a dramatic, contrasting duet—Tulp’s heartfelt, lyrical opera clashes with Hansje’s flashy, modern pop style—highlighting their rivalry and differing artistic approaches.

• In Pisa, they perform a lighthearted street duet near the Leaning Tower, enjoying playful and romantic moments that deepen their bond.

• In Florence, they present a grand duet at the Teatro della Pergola, inspired by Renaissance art and architecture, symbolizing artistic fulfillment.

• However, Hansje orchestrates a scandal targeting Tulp’s reputation, leading to her sudden disappearance from Ruben’s life and casting uncertainty over their future.

Act 4: Het Ritme van Passie (The Rhythm of Passion)

Settings: Amsterdam & Haarlem (Netherlands) | Milan, Venice & Verona (Italy) | Barcelona (Spain) | Lisbon & Sintra (Portugal) | Mexico City & Guadalajara (Mexico) | Cape Town (South Africa) | Phuket (Thailand) | Sydney (Australia)

• Tulp finds emotional support in Rianne, who returns from Vienna. Meanwhile, Hansje celebrates Tulp's downfall with Michiel and Neeltje.

• Returning home, Tulp receives grounding and encouragement from Gregoor, Antoon, and Truus, who help her regain confidence and remind her of the love she shares with Ruben.

• In Haarlem, Tulp retreats to the Grote Kerk, privately reconnecting with her voice and self-assurance. A discreet appearance at a small music salon, arranged by Stefaan, becomes her first raw and powerful step back into the spotlight.

• Tulp triumphantly performs a solo at Milan's Teatro alla Scala, where Ruben surprises her with a passionate backstage duet, reigniting both their romance and artistic partnership.

• At Venice's Teatro La Fenice, Tulp and Ruben share a romantic duet, blending opera with contemporary music, and later enjoy a gondola ride while Hansje watches enviously from a nearby café, plotting her next move.

• In Verona, they deliver a passionate open-air performance at the historic Arena di Verona, symbolizing triumph over obstacles and solidifying their love and artistic partnership.

• At Barcelona's Palau de la Música Catalana, Tulp and Ruben perform an electrifying duet, fusing opera and contemporary rhythms, captivating the audience and drawing international acclaim.

• In Lisbon's Alfama district, they perform an intimate fado-inspired duet on a cobblestone street, reflecting on love, resilience, and their artistic journey.

• Amid Sintra’s romantic palaces and gardens, they share a serene cliffside duet at sunset, symbolizing emotional healing and renewed passion.

• In Mexico City, Tulp and Ruben present a vibrant, energetic duet at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, blending opera with Latin rhythms, thrilling the audience and showcasing their international versatility.

• In Guadalajara, they perform a heartfelt duet in the Jardín de la Independencia, reflecting on their journey, love, and artistic growth.

• Away from the schemes of Hansje and her parents, Tulp and Ruben share a passionate romantic interlude in Cape Town.

• In Phuket, they perform a breathtaking beachfront duet at sunset, merging opera with local Thai musical elements, symbolizing freedom, passion, and reconnection after challenges.

• At the Sydney Opera House, they deliver a grand duet, blending opera and contemporary styles, celebrating their love, and artistic triumph.

Act 5: De Finale Harmonie (The Final Harmony)

Settings: Amsterdam & Zaandam (Netherlands) | Stockholm & Malmö (Sweden) | Tokyo (Japan)

• Hansje and her parents face harsh criticism after Truus and Rianne present evidence of their schemes. Disgraced, they are expelled from the industry, leading to Tulp’s vindication.

• On an Amsterdam canal boat, surrounded by floating tulips, Ruben performs for Tulp, symbolizing their shared triumph and harmony.

• Robijn achieves her own operatic success, advancing her career independently, ultimately finding recognition for her talent and artistic fulfillment.

• Bjorn and Karlijn quietly support and celebrate Ruben and Tulp’s triumph, providing guidance, reassurance, and parental pride in their artistic and romantic achievements.

• In a riverside warehouse in Zaandam, golden light streams through tall windows as Tulp and Ruben share a brief, heartfelt duet, their voices echoing in quiet understanding.

• At Stockholm's Royal Swedish Opera, they premiere a bold new opera-rock work commissioned especially for them, earning critical acclaim and solidifying their artistic legacy as a united, genre-defying duo.

• In Malmö, Tulp and Ruben perform a surprise, intimate street-side duet that delights locals, symbolizing the joy of spontaneous music-making.

• At Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall, Tulp and Ruben deliver a transcendent final duet blending Western opera, rock, and subtle Japanese musical elements.

• Back in Amsterdam, Koenraad provides lighthearted humor and emotional support, celebrating Tulp and Ruben’s triumph with warmth and playful joy.

• Gregoor, Antoon, and Truus offer heartfelt congratulations, grounding the couple with family love and shared pride in their achievements.

• Evelien hosts a joyful celebration at Het Koffiekoor, where friends, family, and allies gather to honor Tulp and Ruben’s love, artistic triumph, and victory over Hansje’s schemes.

• Pastoor Franske blesses them, affirming their love, artistic harmony, and the beauty of their shared creative journey.

• The story closes with Tulp and Ruben performing a breathtaking duet at a gala organized by Marijke at Het Zwanenmeer Paleis, embodying love, artistic unity, and ultimate triumph.  

Main Characters:

• Tulp Bakker (Female Lead): A dazzling and passionate opera singer from a wealthy family, Tulp captivates effortlessly with her extraordinary voice. Elegant and authentic, she follows her instincts, balancing vulnerability with resilience. Her magnetic presence shines through both talent and open-hearted spirit. 

• Ruben Meijer (Male Lead): A charismatic rock star with a soulful voice, and a heart that longs for genuine connection beyond fame. Passionate, impulsive, and emotionally open, he’s drawn to authenticity and is captivated by Tulp’s talent and spirit.

• Hansje Kuiper (Main Antagonist): A glamorous and cunning pop diva who thrives in the spotlight, using manipulation and subtle sabotage to maintain her fame. She views Tulp as a rival and will stop at nothing to outshine her and capture Ruben's heart. Beneath her dazzling exterior lies a calculating nature. 

Supporting Characters: 

• Gregoor Bakker: Tulp’s wise and supportive grandfather—a calm, nurturing presence who offers guidance, encouragement, and a steady moral compass, quietly inspiring Tulp to follow her passion while honoring her roots. 

• Antoon Bakker: Tulp’s father—a successful businessman who is supportive and pragmatic. He provides steady guidance and quietly encourages Tulp’s ambitions while balancing the family’s high expectations with warmth and wisdom. 

• Truus Bakker: Tulp’s graceful and nurturing mother, a socialite who embodies warmth and elegance. She quietly supports her daughter’s ambitions while helping to mediate family tensions, offering wisdom, comfort, and emotional grounding throughout Tulp’s journey. 

• Koenraad Bakker: Tulp’s spirited younger brother—cheerful, witty, and endlessly curious. He brings humor and energy, lightening tense moments while showing fierce loyalty to his sister. Playful yet intuitive, he sometimes surprises others with insight.

• Bjorn Meijer: Ruben’s father—a calm, grounded presence who values family and tradition. He offers wise guidance and emotional support, balancing his son’s impulsive nature and caring deeply for his children’s well-being. 

• Karlijn Meijer: Ruben’s mother—graceful, supportive, and nurturing. She balances the Meijer family’s high-energy dynamics with calm wisdom, offering emotional grounding for Ruben and his twin sister, Robijn, while quietly encouraging their artistic passions.

• Robijn Meijer: Ruben’s twin sister—an aspiring opera singer who mirrors her brother’s passion for music but channels it through classical refinement. Graceful, disciplined, and quietly ambitious, she shares a close bond with Ruben while carving out her own path in the opera world and supporting his love for Tulp.

• Wouter van Dijk: Ruben’s loyal and dependable friend and bandmate. Calm, supportive, and steady, he often serves as the voice of reason within the group, offering encouragement and practical advice, keeping everyone grounded, and quietly looking out for Ruben, all with a dry sense of humor. 

• Lars Klaassen: The charismatic drummer in Ruben’s band—confident, energetic, and effortlessly charming. He brings a lively spark to performances and social interactions, often boosting the band’s morale with his humor and charisma, while staying loyal to his friends.

• Niels van Houten: The talented and expressive guitarist in Ruben’s band. Calm yet passionate about music, he adds creativity and depth to the group’s sound, often complementing Ruben’s impulsive energy with thoughtful musical insight.

• Rianne de Jong: Tulp’s glamorous childhood friend who is a skilled opera singer in Vienna. Elegant, confident, and supportive, she encourages Tulp’s ambitions while sharing a deep bond rooted in friendship and a mutual love of music. 

• Michiel Kuiper: Hansje’s father—a shrewd and ambitious media mogul who prioritizes status and influence. Calculating and protective of his daughter’s career, he quietly manipulates situations behind the scenes to maintain their family’s prominence in the entertainment world.

• Neeltje Kuiper: Hansje’s mother—sophisticated, ambitious, and strategic music critic—she wields influence behind the scenes, guiding Hansje’s schemes while maintaining a polished and respectable public image. 

• Marijke van der Hoek: The seasoned and compassionate director of Het Zwanenmeer Paleis, Amsterdam’s renowned opera house. Wise, empathetic, and steady, she nurtures talent while navigating the opera house’s dramas and ambitions, serving as a mentor and guiding presence for Tulp and others. 

• Stefaan Vermeer: A calm, professional concert organizer who quietly supports Tulp amidst the rivalry with Hansje. Practical and observant, he navigates the opera world with discretion, offering guidance and opportunities without seeking the spotlight. 

• Evelien Visser: The warm and welcoming owner of Het Koffiekoor, a cozy café in Amsterdam. She’s charming, attentive, and a quietly grounding presence, offering comfort, friendly advice, and a sense of community to Tulp and other characters who visit her café. 

• Pastoor Franske van der Zee: A wise, compassionate spiritual guide who offers heartfelt counsel and moral support, especially to Tulp, helping navigate emotional and ethical dilemmas with calm insight. 

Primary Setting: Amsterdam, Netherlands 

Other Settings: Netherlands (Rotterdam, Zaandam, Den Haag, Haarlem, Giethoorn, Lisse & Utrecht) | Belgium (Brussels, Bruges, Ghent & Antwerp) | Paris, France | London, UK | Germany (Berlin & Munich) | Austria (Vienna & Salzburg) | Prague, Czechia | Switzerland (Zürich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Davos, St. Moritz, Gstaad, Geneva, Lausanne & Montreux) | Italy (Rome, Pisa, Florence, Milan, Venice & Verona) | Barcelona, Spain | Portugal (Lisbon & Sintra) | Greece (Athens & Santorini) | Sweden (Stockholm & Malmö) | USA (New York & Los Angeles) | Mexico (Mexico City & Guadalajara) | Cape Town, South Africa | Sydney, Australia | Tokyo, Japan | Phuket, Thailand