Rock Music Lab

Music Connection Lab 2026
War No More Troubles

Concert
Sunday 30 March 2026 — 20:00
Music On, The Hague

Main partners:
Bandsessies
The Hague Peace Projects

Overview

The Rock Music Lab is part of Music Connection Lab 2026 and brings together amateur rock musicians from The Hague in a shared learning and creation process. Through rehearsals, coaching, and collective music-making, participants work toward a public concert that highlights collaboration, experimentation, and live performance.

The thematic line “War No More Troubles” frames the project as a reflection on music as a space for expression, connection, and dialogue.

Repertoire (General)

The repertoire developed within the Rock Music Lab explores themes of war, peace, and love. Working within rock and metal idioms, participants reflect on conflict, resilience, solidarity, and human connection. The programme combines original material with well-known repertoire developed collectively during the rehearsal process. This includes original songs by Anne-Tjerk Mante, such as Dit is mijn Den Haag, original compositions by Ascendants (led by Youmni Abou Alzahab), and selected rock and crossover classics such as Seven Nation Army, Imagine, Zombie, War Pigs, and Holy Diver.

Coaching & Guidance

Participants in the Rock Music Lab are supported by experienced musicians who provide guidance during rehearsals and help facilitate ensemble work:
• Lorenzo Mastrogregori — drums
• Kaan Yazici — bass, vocals
• Danilo Mormandi — guitar

Their role is to support the learning process, ensemble coordination, and preparation for the final concert.

Rehearsals

Dates & times:
• Sunday 23 March — 15:00–18:00
• Monday 24 March — 15:00–20:00

Location: Music On, The Hague

Film Screening

Before the concert, a rock documentary will be screened, offering additional context and inspiration connected to the themes explored in the Rock Music Lab.

Participating Bands (Bandsessies – The Hague)

The Electric Ants
An amateur rock band from The Hague, participating through Bandsessies, performing original material.

Strong Resonance
An amateur metal band from The Hague, participating through Bandsessies, performing original compositions.

Guest Artists

Alongside the Bandsessies participants, several guest musicians join parts of the programme:

Youmni Abou Alzahab
Vocalist and songwriter active in rock and metal music, contributing original material developed with Ascendants.

Anne-Tjerk Mante — vocals
Singer-songwriter contributing original songs and collaborative performances.

Additional musicians and guest singers will join the Rock Music Lab and will be announced in due course.