FAQ young

Young is an orchestral training programme established by the Concertgebouw Orchestra 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.

Every other summer, a group of young musicians comes together to learn from, and work with, the musicians of the Concertgebouw Orchestra 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.

To be accepted as a participant, you must be at least fourteen and no older than seventeen years old during the entire duration of Young, from 4 until 22 August 2025. Unfortunately, we cannot make exceptions to this rule.

The fifth edition of Young will take place from 4 until 22 August 2025.

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 2025 there will be a performance at The Concertgebouw in Amsterdam (the Netherlands) and in another European concert hall. 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 Concertgebouw Orchestra, Young participants can establish both musical and social ties with members of the orchestra. They also will 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 in muvac.com. The online auditions are open from 1 November 2024 until 31 January 2025.

The online auditions are open from 1 November 2024 until 31 January 2025 on Muvac.com.

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. To participate in Young, your date of birth has to be between 22 August 2007 and 4 August 2011.

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.

There are openings for flute (and piccolo), oboe (and English horn), clarinet (and E flat clarinet, and bass clarinet), bassoon (and contrabassoon), French horn, trumpet, trombone, bass trombone, tuba, timpani, percussion, violin, viola, cello, double bass, piano and harp.

Yes, but each instrument requires a separate application. Please note: for secondary instruments like the piccolo, English horn, E flat clarinet, bass clarinet and contrabassoon, no separate application is required.

Yes. Candidates do however have to apply again each year and send in new audition videos. In the event that two candidates are deemed equally suitable, new participants will be given priority.

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. Your nominator can also be an alumnus from a previous edition of Young.

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

No, your referent is someone else than your nominator.

You may choose a three-minute excerpt from a longer piece or a recording of a performance. Don’t forget to add your introduction video.

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.

You’re allowed to record the audio with a seperate microphone and add it to the video, as long as its from the same take and there’s not other cuts or edits in the records.

More information to follow.