Young

Concertgebouworkest Young is the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra’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 musicians who are in need of some extra support and who are currently underrepresented in the European orchestras.

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 Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. At the conclusion of the programme they play concerts under the direction of conductor Pablo Heras-Casado at The Concertgebouw on 23 August  2019 and at the Flagey Concert Hall in Brussels on 24 August 2019.

Development of top talent

The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra 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 will be 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 Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra 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.

Applications for the auditions for the first Young summer camp are closed. Concertgebouworkest Young will take place in 2020 from August 5 till 22. You can apply from 14 October 2019 until 10 February 2020.