As from the 2021-2022 concert season, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra will annually welcome a group of international top talents to take part in the orchestra’s academy. The talents will play in the orchestra and will be guided by coaches and other musicians. They also participate in educational and chamber music projects. The purpose of the orchestra academy is to prepare the talents and to allow them to gain experience in the day-to-day orchestra practice.
| Sections | String instruments |
| Deadline | Nov 2025 - Feb 2026 |
| Finals | Mar 2026 |
| Where | Rotterdam, Netherlands |
| Age groups | Age limit 27, Master and Postgraduate students |
- 17 weeks of performing with the orchestra under leading international conductors
- Private lessons in orchestral playing and coaching by the leaders of the orchestra and other musicians of the RPhO
- Audition training and mock auditions
- Chamber music opportunities, with and without members of the RPhO.
- Alexander Technique lessons
- Master classes by renowned conductors and soloists.
- Each academist will be supported by a mentor throughout the season.
Academy students receive a monthly compensation, a certificate upon successful completion of the academy and will be granted direct access to the first round of upcoming auditions for a period of three years.
The application process starts November 2025 on Muvac.com. Video recordings should be submitted January/February 2026, and the live auditions will be held in March and April 2026 in De Doelen Concert Hall in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. The audition requirements are as follows:
Video round: 3 orchestral excerps + exposition of a classical concerto
Live audition: exposition of romantic concerto + 8 orchestral excerpts
