Press release: Concertgebouw Orchestra Young returns to Akoesticum for fifth edition
Ede, 7 August 2025 - This summer, Akoesticum welcomes for the fifth time the international youth orchestra Concertgebouworkest Young, an initiative of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra. As many as 84 young talents from all over Europe, aged 14 to 17, will spend over two weeks in the monumental building in Ede. Here, they work intensively with musicians and trainers of the Concertgebouw Orchestra on personal, musical and social development.
"Akoesticum is the ideal place for us to realise Young," says Lili Schutte, head of education and talent development at The Concertgebouw Orchestra. "From the beginning we have been welcomed here and this year we are celebrating our anniversary. Akoesticum breathes peace and space and everything is there: good rehearsal rooms, accommodation, catering and a safe environment. That is essential for this young group."
Musical and personal development
Concertgebouworkest Young is more than a musical summer camp. The programme combines musical excellence with a socio-educational programme, co-developed by the United World Colleges, aimed at personal growth and embracing diversity. Young participants come from diverse cultural, socio-economic and geographical backgrounds.
"We explicitly look for young people with a lot of talent, but who might need an extra push," Schutte said. "Think of children from environments where classical music is not taken for granted. We want to remove those barriers, in order to see more diversity on stages in the future as well."
The programme at Akoesticum is intensive: chamber music, group rehearsals, workshops on stage fright, learning under pressure and even sports sessions are part of the programme. The young musicians are challenged but, above all, supported. "We create a safe environment here where they really get to know themselves and each other. From that safety, they flourish, musically and as human beings," says Schutte.
Highlights in sight
After the intensive working period at Akoesticum, the musicians will perform in several chamber music concerts, including one on 13 August at Akoesticum and one in Velp. This will be followed by symphonic concerts with the whole orchestra, led by conductor Elim Chan at Het Concertgebouw Amsterdam, at the opening concert of Sail Amsterdam and at the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg. "For many young people, this is an experience that will stay with them for life. We see participants from previous editions back at conservatoires all over the Netherlands. The network grows and they in turn inspire others." said Schutte.
About Young
Young combines intensive orchestra training with a personal development programme and has been organised at Akoesticum since 2019. The next edition will take place in summer 2027. Young people who want to participate can apply via the Concertgebouw Orchestra website from October 2026.
For press enquiries or more information:info@akoesticum.org|www.akoesticum.org/en