This article was published (in Dutch) on Preludium.nl, the website of the magazine of the Concertgebouw Orchestra and The Concertgebouw.
By Inge Jongerman
Francisca Galante Vaz and Felipe Manzano are still dizzy from all the notes they just put through their paces during orchestra rehearsal. The music stand held music by Schoenberg today, not an easy repertoire. Both viola players have already played a number of programmes in the orchestra.
For Felipe, from Spain, this is the first time playing in a professional orchestra. “To be starting out with the Concertgebouw Orchestra is incredible. I was very nervous at the first rehearsal, but the great thing about this orchestra is that you are immediately included in the group and I feel very welcome.” Francisca, from Portugal, says: “The first rehearsal of a programme is exciting every time, you’re always afraid – usually without reason – that you haven’t prepared enough. The level is so high; I’m living my musical dream already here.”
Both viola players took part in the first edition of Concertgebouw Orchestra Young in 2019, at the age of 16. Together with seventy other young people aged 14 through 17 from all over Europe, they followed an intensive summer programme, focused on musical as well as personal development. Now, five years later, they are still in touch with several Young alumni and cherish special memories of that summer. Francisca: “We really were one big family. I got to know so many nice people, like Felipe here, my music-stand buddy at the time. Conductor Pablo Heras-Casado was a huge inspiration; he brought out the best in all of us.”
Felipe and Francisca are the first Young alumni to progress to the Academy of the Concertgebouw Orchestra. The Academy is an important next step for them and without Young they probably wouldn’t have found their way here. “Young is different from the Orchestra Academy, also in terms of level of performance, but it’s very nice to be able to get a taste of playing in an orchestra at such a young age,” says Felipe. “There aren’t many projects in the world like this. It was the first time I travelled outside of Spain too, so it helped me take that step also. It was great to be with like-minded young people. I still vividly remember us all attending a rehearsal of the Concertgebouw Orchestra. While listening to Tchaikovsky’s First Symphony, I suddenly saw the possibilities for myself on an international scale.” Felipe went to study in Berlin, where he will be completing his bachelor’s degree this year. This makes his schedule quite full, combined with his participation in the Academy programme at the Concertgebouw Orchestra. The same goes for Francisca, who is in the first year of her master’s degree at the Conservatory of Amsterdam. “I’m not complaining,” says Felipe, “isn’t this what everybody dreams of?”
The Orchestra Academy’s training programme lasts an entire season, from September to June. The programme includes participation in twelve orchestral programmes, audition training, individual lessons from orchestra members, chamber music concerts, mental coaching and lessons in movement techniques. Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate. Throughout, the young musicians are guided by a personal mentor from the Concertgebouw Orchestra who shows them the way around the orchestra and is their contact person.
Francisca and Felipe had never auditioned for a professional orchestra before; the Academy of the Concertgebouw Orchestra was their first time, and immediately successful. Francisca: “I only had ten days to prepare and I never thought I would make it.” Felipe says he didn’t dare to dream it would happen, but he went for it anyway.
After completing the Academy, participants have the advantage of entering directly into the second round of auditions with the Concertgebouw Orchestra for three years. Two positions will become available in February, but the two viola players are staying realistic about their chances. “I think we’re still too young,” Felipe says. When asked if they really aspire to an orchestral position, Francisca replies: “I’m still figuring it out. I love chamber music and have a string quartet. But I also enjoy the orchestral repertoire. So I don’t know exactly yet. I try to enjoy myself, without looking too far ahead.” Felipe: “I was never a fan of orchestral playing because I felt that I would not have enough musical freedom, but in practice that turns out to be very different than I thought. I’m keeping all options open and trying to just enjoy this unique opportunity.”
Francisca and Felipe have formed a close bond with the other twelve Academy students. “Every Wednesday we have our own badminton group in De Pijp,” says Felipe. “I can hardly move because of my sore muscles,” Francisca laughs, “not that handy with a difficult programme full of Schoenberg to play!”
Both Concertgebouw Orchestra Young and the Academy are made possible entirely by the Concertgebouw Orchestra Foundation, which receives donations from numerous private donors, funds, the Salon business club, and corporate partners. By investing in young talent, they help ensure that the Concertgebouw Orchestra remains among the world’s finest for generations to come.
As a token of appreciation for their support, donors of the Concertgebouw Orchestra are closely involved with the orchestra. Throughout the year, they receive exclusive invitations to special events and activities. Donors also enjoy priority access when purchasing subscription series and concert tickets.
Would you like to contribute to nurturing young talent within the Concertgebouw Orchestra? Learn more about how you can support the orchestra or contact Barbara Ruding at foundation@concertgebouworkest.nl.
