academy

    academy

    The Concertgebouworkest Academy has served as the orchestra’s own training institute for twenty years. Talented European musicians complete their musical training by taking part in a personal development programme under the orchestra’s wings.

    Mission

    The Academy is the Concertgebouworkest’s bridge between the conservatory and the professional music world. The multifaceted programme it offers produces outstanding musicians who are ready for a career in an internationally renowned symphony orchestra.

    The Academy also serves as a pool from which the Concertgebouworkest itself can draw. The students are initiated to, and trained in the tradition of, the orchestra’s culture and master the very specific ensemble playing required – taking responsibility, having confidence, listening to one another and taking risks.

    Through the Academy, the Concertgebouworkest is handing down an important tradition.

    Successful
    Since its inception in 2003, the Academy has produced dozens of successful orchestral musicians. Most play in professional orchestras; indeed, no fewer than eleven former Academy students are now fully fledged members of the Concertgebouworkest.

    2021/2022 Academy students

    2021/2022 Academy students

    Taking part

    Have you graduated, or are you about to graduate, from a music conservatory and wish to continue your practical training at the very highest level? As an Academy student, you will be given the chance to be a part of the Concertgebouworkest for a whole season, performing in orchestral productions, taking part in masterclasses and training courses, receiving mental and physical coaching, and performing chamber music concerts at unique locations.

    Academy students stay in Amsterdam for the entire academic season (from September to June) and receive a monthly allowance. Successful completion of the Academy programme gives you priority status for three years when auditioning for the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.

    Programme of the course

    The Academy of the Concertgebouworkest course consists of the following components:

    • playing in the orchestra on up to twelve orchestral programmes under the direction of leading conductors, accompanied by mentors from the orchestra’s ranks
    • giving chamber music concerts, some with members of the orchestra; the Academy students are coached by members of the orchestra as they prepare for these concerts
    • twenty private lessons with principals and other members of the orchestra
    • movement techniques: private lessons in Alexander Technique or Dispokinesis
    • private and group sessions in psychological training
    • a masterclass with the artist in residence and/or a conductor
    • training in audition techniques, culminating in two mock auditions, including one behind an audition screen
    • education (creative learning): an improvisation workshop and a three-day education workshop, culminating in a performance at a school for blind and partially sighted children (Visio-school)
    • a lecture by a leading composer

    2022/2023 season auditions

    Who can apply?


    Musicians who:

    • are not older than 26 at 1 September 2022 and
    • preferably have a Bachelor’s degree or are studying for a Master’s degree and
    • holding the nationality of a European Union country plus, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland. Or are in the possession of a valid Dutch working permit
    Audition dates strings

    The audition dates for the 2022/2023 season are:

    • 1 February, double bass
    • 3 February, viola
    • 9 February, cello
    • 15 February, violin

    Read the vacancy text or go directly to www.muv.ac/29134. Application Deadline: November 28, 2021

    Audition dates non-strings

    For the 2022/2023 season, positions are available for oboe, clarinet and horn. The audition dates are:

    • Saturday 5 March 2022, oboe
    • Tuesday 8 March 2022, clarinet
    • Thursday 10 March 2022, horn

    From 30 November you can register via www.muv.ac/29134.

    The Academy is fully funded by the Foundation Concertgebouworkest, which to that end receives donations from such entities as Ammodo, the Dutch Masters Foundation, the Swiss Friends of the Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Don Quixote Foundation, De Salon, private donors and a number of commemorative funds.