Young

Concertgebouworkest Young is the Koninklijk Concertgebouworkest’s new and international youth orchestra. It consists of young talented European musicians between fourteen and seventeen years old and reflects the diversity of Europe.

This youth orchestra is intended for hidden talent: young talented musicians that could need some extra support in their music careers and who help us represent the diversity manifest within European countries.

Young summer camp

At the Young summer camp they participate in an intensive programme of group practice, orchestra rehearsals, chamber music, coaching sessions and workshops led by professional workshop leaders, and classes given by members of the Concertgebouworkest. At the conclusion of the programme they play concerts under the direction of world famous conductors at The Concertgebouw and at the Flagey Concert Hall in Brussels.

During the first edition, Young played under the direction of Pablo Heras-Casado the Fifth symphony by Tchaikovsky, the violin concerto by Mendelssohn with Julian Rachlin as soloist, and the world première Idyllium by Detlev Glanert

Development of top talent

The Concertgebouworkest views the development of top talent as of the utmost importance. In addition to that, with Young the Orchestra aims to stimulate personal development, a strong sense of community and a democratic mindset. A special program is designed in collaboration with the United World Colleges Nederland. This new youth orchestra will serve as a bridge between society and a top-level cultural institute.

Young is an offshoot of RCO meets Europe, the ambitious tour undertaken by the Concertgebouworkest through all member states of the EU between 2016 and 2018. During this tour the Orchestra played a piece together with a local youth orchestra (Side by Side) in each country which resulted in close ties with young musicians all across Europe. This unique concept will continue to take shape in Young and subsequently resonate through the wider community. The young musicians will become ambassadors, taking the ideas behind Young – talent development, diversity and the connection with society – with them to their respective home countries.

Due to COVID-19 Concertgebouworkest Young 2020 will be postponed to 2021. It will take place from 5 till 22 August.