Marktplatz Kerkrade

Every four years the market square at Kerkrade, in the old coal country of southern Limburg on the German border, becomes the outdoor room of the World Music Contest, the international gathering that has drawn wind bands, brass bands and marching ensembles to this small town since 1951. The square is a public space rather than a hall, and its use for music is seasonal. Bizet's Carmen has been given there.