FAQ young

Young is an orchestral training programme established by the Concertgebouworkest for talented, young instrumentalists aged fourteen to seventeen. Young is particularly focused on attracting young people from social groups which are poorly served and under-represented as far as classical orchestral music is concerned. Each summer, a group of young musicians comes together to learn from, and work with, the musicians of the Concertgebouworkest in various scenarios – including coachings, sectional rehearsals, chamber music ensembles and personal development sessions – and to perform under the direction of an internationally renowned 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. As a participant, you must have a minimum age of 14 and a maximum age of 17 years old during the summer of 2023. That means you must have been born between 27 August 2005 and 10 August 2009. Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions to this rule.

The fourth edition of Concertgebouworkest Young will take place from 9 to 26 August 2023. The online auditions are open from 7 November 2022 until 5 February 2023.

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 2023 there will be a performance at The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam (the Netherlands) and the Konzerthaus Berlin. There will also be a try out in Akoesticum, and chamber music concerts.

The language of communication is English. During the summer camp, participants will be supported by mentors who can speak several other languages as well.

Young is free of charge for all participants. The programme provides accommodation and meals for the duration and covers the cost of all activities such as instruction, rehearsal and performance. No tuition fees are applicable. Travel is booked for participants, or travel costs are reimbursed. All further details will be provided following the participant’s acceptance.

In addition to orchestra rehearsals and the opportunity to work closely with members of the Concertgebouworkest, Young participants can establish both musical and social ties with members of the orchestra. They can also attend workshops designed to develop cultural leadership skills, empowering them to make a difference in their communities with their music and become ambassadors for Young.

The audition and application process are all done online. Click here to learn more about the application process.

The application for Young 2023 was open from 7 November 2022 to 9 February 2023. The selection will be made in February 2023. In March 2023 all the applicants will receive a message with the result.

In accordance with its objective, Young selects a wide range of qualified participants from across Europe to reflect the exceptional diversity in the world of classical music. Applications are judged on a combination of factors including the candidate’s technical ability, musicality, passion, willingness to collaborate, intellectual curiosity, and social and emotional maturity.

No. 

All participants must have an EU-passport or must be willing to obtain a Schengen visa. If you have any doubts or questions about this, please contact us at young@concertgebouworkest.nl.

More information will follow shortly.

Yes, but each instrument requires a separate application. Please note: for secondary instruments like the piccolo, alto oboe and bass clarinet, no separate application is required.

Yes, as long as you meet all the various requirements. However, all candidates must reapply each year and submit a new audition video.

Yes, a formal nomination by a music teacher, the conductor of an ensemble, the leader of a school/band/orchestra or community is a required component of the application.

No, but it is helpful if at least one of them is. Music teachers, orchestral conductors and private teachers are all acceptable as musical referees, but a reference from an academy teacher or other non-musical mentor is also possible.

Yes.

You may choose a three-minute excerpt from a longer piece or a recording of a performance.

No, we understand that not everyone has the means to record a professional video, and our goal is to make Young accessible to anyone wishing to apply. As long as the candidate is clearly visible and audible, the audition will be judged solely on musical merit and not on production quality. Most auditions are recorded using simple equipment like smartphones or tablets.

The conductor for Young 2023 has yet to be announced.

Musicians of the Concertgebouworkest. There will also be a group of mentors on hand to support the young people during the summer camp.