Gifts create leeway
Acquiring instruments
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra’s unique sound is the result of a combination of leading musicians performing on the very finest instruments. Most musicians, however, are not in a position to purchase such instruments themselves. That’s why donations are so important, since they help make possible the purchase of top-quality instruments by the RCO Foundation. The instruments are then provided to our musicians on loan for the whole of their career with the orchestra.
Orchestra Academy
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Academy gives young, highly talented musicians the chance to participate in concert productions, masterclasses, and workshops with composers. These young Academy students are given one year’s worth of private lessons with section leaders and other members of the orchestra.
Talent development and education
With RCO meets Europe, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra is performing in all twenty-eight member states of the European Union over a period of two and a half seasons. In addition, as part of a special initiative called Side by Side, the orchestra is performing the opening work on each programme with a youth orchestra from that particular country. This gives young talent the unique opportunity to perform in an orchestra of the very highest calibre. Donations also make possible Family Concerts and other performances which are geared towards younger listeners and their parents and grandparents.
Special projects
A series like Horizon, special productions such as operas performed in concert version and collaborative projects with other cultural institutions in and outside the Netherlands – donations support the various projects with which the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra sets itself apart artistically and help strengthen its image. One memorable example is Detlev Glanert’s Requiem for Hieronymus Bosch, recently commissioned and performed by the orchestra.
RCO House
Located at Gabriël Metsustraat 16, just a stone’s throw from the Concertgebouw, is RCO House. Thanks to numerous donations, this former school building designed by the renowned architect Berlage will now offer rehearsal rooms for the members of the orchestra and an ensemble space. 130 years since its foundation, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra will finally have an exclusive, welcoming place to work and socialise, a space dedicated to its musicians, staff, donors and audience members.
