Welcome to the website of Annechien Koerselman

stage director and playwright in Drama, Music Theatre & Opera

Annechien Koerselman (1976) graduated at the Academy of Dramatic Arts Maastricht, specialization stage direction.

Since she has worked as a stage director in Drama, Music Theatre and Opera in the Netherlands and abroad.

Furthermore, she writes scripts, adapts novels for the stage and translates plays.

Sometimes she also designs the light and/or set and/or costumes and/or video for the performances she stages.

With some regularity Annechien is also providing various organizations artistic and productional advice, commissioned by them

she writes applications for cultural subvention and is working as a dramaturge at several (music)theatre- and dance productions.

Last of all, she teaches as freelance drama teacher within her workingfield.

Currently

Photo © Teemu Kekkonen / Poster © Tijne Bellert

Finally, the renowned tango opera MARIA DE BUENOS AIRES is being performed again in the Netherlands. More relevant than ever, and in a brand-new guise! The Netherlands Saxophone Octet was the first Dutch ensemble to receive the rights from Piazzolla's heirs to adapt the piece for eight saxophones, vocals, lyrics, bandoneon, piano, and percussion. Maria de Buenos Aires is a story full of emotion and melancholy, but above all, of courage, hope, and inspiration. Annechien is the stage director, set- & lightdesigner of this show. More information: MARIA DE BUENOS AIRES

Commissioned by the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw, Annechien is developing the family show Rat-a-tat-tat, that’s how the trumpet sounds. A vibrant theatrical concert about a musical journey through time to the city where Jazz was born: New Orleans. Featuring singer Cheyenne Toney as Master of Ceremonies and a six-piece star big band from the Jazz Orchestra, swinging as they let their trumpet sounds blow through the streets on the other side of the ocean. More information: RAT-A-TAT-TAT, this is how the trumpet sounds

Image © Annechien Koerselman, supported by AI

Annechien writes and stages four participatory concerts for the Berlin Philharmonic. In the first Rowr-Tootoooo, two fantasy birds seek a spot in the Zoo, but there are so many different animals there, and how differently they all sing... The musical performance is of the highest quality. Members of the Berlin Philharmonic unfold a dazzling soundscape. Premiere November 14, 2026, at the Berlin Philharmonic, Berlin (Germany). More information: ROWR-TOOTOOOO.

Drawings © WDR

For the 8th year in a row, Annechien is directing the popular Konzert mit dem Elefanten at the WDR Cologne. She also designs the light. This year, together with Elephant, Rabbit, André Gatzke, the puppet Knolle and the WDR Funkhausorchestra, she will celebate the joy of anticipation that Christmas brings in an exciting musical way. Premiere December 03, 2026 in Cologne (Germany). More information: CHRISTMAS

Illustration © Unknown

The Hidden Bay is new comical chamberopera about a stranger whose arrival turns a prosperous but isolated society upside down. The well-oiled system begins to creak and grind, and for some residents, the question of who is to blame is immediately obvious. Apple Pie Concerts brings classical music to people for whom the concert hall presents a high threshold, literally or figuratively. Annechien is responsible for the stage direction, set-, costume-, and lightdesign. More information: THE HIDDEN BAY

Poster © Tessa Veldhorst

Lost in the Stars - a concert that blends classical music, jazz, and cabaret. The Hague String Trio and internationally acclaimed singer Lucy Woodward, along with double bassist and arranger Marijn van Prooijen and drummer Vinsent Planjer, will perform a musical tribute to Kurt Weill and his contemporaries. Well-known songs like "Mack the Knife," "September Song," and "Smile" are given new life in captivating and refined arrangements. Annechien directs and designs the light. More information: LOST IN THE STARS

Photo © Ronald Knapp

In 2012 The Musicfactory by Calefax Reed Quintet, which Annechien staged and for which she wrote the script as well, won the Junge Ohrenpreis. Since then the performance literally crosses the world, because the only "spoken" language is music, a language everyone speaks. In 2024 and 2024 the Musicfactory will be performed again in the Netherlands for several times. More information: THE MUSIC FACTORY

Familly concert

Premiere May 10, 2026, Berliner Philharmonie Berlin (DE)

Imagine a brightly-lit stage: there appear the Pulcinelli, two clever Italian tricksters, who constantly face new challenges. Something strange is happening today as well. The sun hasn't risen yet. Luckily, the Pulcinelli are quick-witted, and always find a way to get themselves out of any situation. But for that, they need the help of the musicians and the audience…

The music of Igor Stravinsky amazes everyone: cheeky violins, dancing trumpets, and melodies that sound ancient at first and then suddenly take a dramatic turn. A concert full of surprises, joyful play, and music that invites young and old to join in.

Beaver © Eran Alboher

Photo © Bettina Stöß

Credits Cast & Crew

Portfolio

THE LITTLE UGLY DUCK

So it is possible [...] making fascinating theater, suitable for both children and adults. The combination of acting, vocals, music and text in the little ugly duck - a loose adaptation of the story by Hans Andersen, conceived and directed by Annechien Koerselman -led to a strong and creative performance lasting 75 minutes which was really telling something.

Rein Swart

DIJKDRIFT

Very special is that all players are both beautifully singing, making music in a marvelous way and are acting stronly at the same time. An incredible achievement of stage director Annechien Koerselman and all performers. Dijkdrift is an extremely original opera production.

Scenes, Jos Schuring