academy

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 fourteen former Academy students are now fully fledged members of the Concertgebouworkest.

Who can apply?

Musicians who:

• are not older than 26 at 1 September 2023 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 2023/2024 season are:

• Monday 6 Februari 2023, viola
• Tuesday 7 February 2023, cello
• Friday 10 February 2023, violin
• Tuesday 14 February 2023, double bass

The application period for the strings has expired.

Audition dates non-strings

• Thursday 13 April 2023, percussion
• Tuesday 18 April 2023, trumpet
• Thursday 20 April 2023, bassoon

The application period for the academy 2023/2024 season has expired.

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