Young is an orchestral training programme for talented young instrumentalists ages 14–17 created by the Concertgebouworkest. Young has a particular focus on attracting talented young people from groups underserved by and underrepresented in the classical orchestral field in Europe. Each summer, a group of young musicians will come together to interact with one another, learn from and work with Concertgebouworkest musicians in a variety of settings—including coaching, sectionals, chamber music ensembles, and personal development—and play under the direction of a world famous conductor.
Young is open to European citizens from all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from those who will bring greater diversity to classical orchestral music and those who have not yet had access to highly selective training opportunities through youth orchestra programmes, summer festivals, camps, etc., outside of their communities. You must be between the ages of 14 and 17 during the summer 2020. This means that your birthdate must be between 23 August 2002 and 5 August 2006, with no exceptions.
Young is a summer programme that will take place from 5 to 22 August 2020. Due to COVID-19 Young 2020 is postponed to the summer of 2021, from 5-22 August. The third edition of Concertgebouworkest Young will take place from 4-21 August 2022.
Young will be in residence at Akoesticum, Ede (the Netherlands). Akoesticum is the most important performing arts training centre of the Netherlands that is specialised in hosting youth orchestras. It has outstanding rehearsal and practice facilities where all full orchestral rehearsals take place, and all young musicians and staff members will be hosted. www.akoesticum.org/en
In 2021 there will be a performance at The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam (the Netherlands). There will also be a try out in Akoesticum, and a chamber music concert at the Amsterdamzaal in Amsterdam.
The application and audition process take place online. Learn more about applying by clicking here.
In line with its mission, Young aims to include a broad range of qualified participants from across the European Union to reflect the exceptional diversity of teh European Union. Applications are reviewed based on a variety of factors, including the applicant’s technical ability, musicianship, passion, willingness to collaborate, intellectual curiosity, and social and emotional maturity.
No.
Any citizen of a European country in the possession of a passport/ ID card or permit of residence may apply to become a member/participant. If you have any doubts regarding this point, please contact us at young@concertgebouworkest.nl.
The programme will be taught in English. During the summer camp there will be mentors taking care of the participants who will be capable of speaking more different languages.
In the summer of 2021 Young’s symphony orchestra will be made up of 73 musicians. Applicants can apply with the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, flute/piccolo, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, tuba, and timpani.
Yes, but a separate application is required for each instrument. Please note that auxiliary instruments such as piccolo, English horn, and bass clarinet do not require a separate application.
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. Please note that all applicants are required to re-apply and submit a new audition video each year.
The application for Young 2021 is not possible anymore, because all selected musicians will be invited for summer 2021. The application for Young 2022 is open from 1 November 2021 to 10 February 2022. The selection will be made in February 2022. In March 2022 all the applicants will receive a message with the result.
Yes. A formal nomination from a music teacher, ensemble director, school/band/orchestra administrator, or community leader is required as part of the application.
While it is permitted to select a three-minute excerpt from a longer work or recorded performance, please keep your solo submission as close to the three-minute mark as possible.
No, but it is helpful if at least one of them is. While general music teachers, orchestra directors, or private instructors are all acceptable as musical references, an academic instructor or other non-music mentor can also serve as a reference.
Yes, we request that they complete the separate recommendation form.
No. We understand that not everyone has the means to provide a professional video recording, and our goal is to make Young accessible to all who wish to apply. As long as the applicant is clearly visible and clearly audible, the audition will be judged on its musical merits and not on its production value. Most auditions are recorded using basic home video equipment.
The conductor will be announced as soon as possible.
Musicians of the Concertgebouworkest.
In addition to orchestra rehearsals and the opportunity to work closely with select members of the Concertgebouworkest, Young participants will have both musical and social opportunities with members of Concertgebouworkest, as well as access to workshops designed to cultivate arts leadership skills and enable participants to serve their communities through music and becoming an ambassador.
Young is a tuition-free programme for all participants. The programme provides room and board during the residency and covers all expenses related to instructional, rehearsal, performance, and other activities. There is no fee to apply. Travel will be booked for participants or travel costs reimbursed. Additional details will be available upon acceptance.
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