25 years of In Search Of…: An orchestral ode to The Neptunes at The Concertgebouw

This year marks the 25th anniversary of In Search Of…, the iconic debut album by NERD. With this groundbreaking record, Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo and Shay Haley conquered charts around the world. As producers under the name The Neptunes, Williams and Hugo also helped define the sound of hip hop, R&B and pop music in the new millennium. On Thursday 18 February 2027, Re:Freshed Orchestra, stay away from dante!, Pink Oculus, Dr. Rum and Nobinh will pay tribute to The Neptunes, N*E*R*D and Pharrell Williams at The Concertgebouw. Tickets go on sale on Friday 16 October at 10.00 a.m. via www.concertgebouw.nl/neptunes.

Following the success of the sold-out Classic Hiphop concerts celebrating the music of The Fugees, Missy Elliott, A Tribe Called Quest, N.W.A. and Guru’s Jazzmatazz, hip hop returns to The Concertgebouw. On Thursday 18 February 2027, the spotlight turns to the music of The Neptunes, NER*D and Pharrell Williams. The programme features timeless classics including Frontin’ by Pharrell Williams and Jay-Z, Milkshake by Kelis, U Don’t Have to Call by Usher and Drop It Like It’s Hot by Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams.

Collaborations with Madonna, Beyoncé and Jay-Z

Few artists have left such a lasting mark on the sound of 21st-century hip hop as Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo and Shay Haley. Their influence continues to resonate across generations of artists, as this tribute demonstrates. Global superstars such as Madonna, Beyoncé and Jay-Z are just a few of the many major artists with whom Williams and Hugo collaborated throughout their careers.

The Neptunes

School friends Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo formed the production duo The Neptunes in 1992. While still in school, they were discovered at a talent competition by New Jack Swing pioneer Teddy Riley of Blackstreet. Before long, they were writing and producing for a wide range of artists. Their breakthrough came in 1998 with hit records for Mase (Lookin’ At Me) and N.O.R.E. (Superthug).

Soon, some of the biggest names in music were seeking out their distinctive sound, including Britney Spears (I’m a Slave 4 U), Ol’ Dirty Bastard (Got Your Money), Jay-Z (I Just Wanna Love U) and Nelly (Hot in Herre). For years, it was almost impossible to find a chart without the names Williams and Hugo attached to it. Characterised by instantly recognisable melodies, infectious funk influences and a unique blend of hip hop edge and R&B sensuality, the signature sound of The Neptunes proved irresistible, not only to hip hop audiences but also to fans of R&B and pop.

N*E*R*D

That Williams and Hugo could do more than produce hits for others became clear in 2001 with the release of In Search Of…, the debut album by N*E*R*D. What began as a side project with rapper Shay Haley soon evolved into a fully fledged band complete with a live ensemble.

Although N*E*R*D (No-one Ever Really Dies) was often viewed internationally as a parallel project to The Neptunes, Dutch audiences embraced the group from the outset. Legendary performances at Amsterdam’s Paradiso in 2002 and appearances at Pinkpop and Lowlands in 2004 cemented their reputation. Fronted by Pharrell Williams, the trio scored worldwide hits with Lapdance and Rock Star, while their second album Fly or Die achieved even greater success thanks to the smash hit She Wants to Move.

Pharrell Williams

While Chad Hugo largely remained behind the scenes, Pharrell Williams became one of the most visible and influential figures in contemporary music. Whether through his own work, including the global evergreen Happy, or through collaborations such as Get Lucky and Blurred Lines, his impact on popular music has been immense. More than three decades after the start of his career, Williams continues to shape the musical landscape.

In this tribute, Re:Freshed Orchestra under the direction of Alexander van Popta, together with stay away from dante!, Pink Oculus, Dr. Rum and Nobinh, celebrate the enduring music of The Neptunes, N*E*R*D and Pharrell Williams.

Classic Hiphop at The Concertgebouw

Through its Classic Hiphop series, The Concertgebouw and Re:Freshed Orchestra, led by Alexander van Popta, pay tribute to legendary hip hop artists and groups. The Concertgebouw is not only a home for classical music, but a venue where many musical traditions come together. From the legendary pop and jazz night concerts of the 1950s and 1960s to newer traditions such as the Classic Hiphop series, the venue continues to connect audiences through exceptional live music experiences.

Previous tributes to The Fugees, A Tribe Called Quest and N.W.A. attracted enthusiastic and sold-out audiences, confirming the growing popularity of hip hop in a symphonic setting.