Dutch Student Orchestra

The Dutch Student Orchestra is a national project orchestra full of ambitious young students who, alongside their studies, are dedicated to performing classical music at a high level. Under the direction of conductor Arjen Tien, they perform together with violinist Noa Wildschut in Sergei Prokofiev’s captivating Violin Concerto No. 2. The new composition by Arjan Linker bursts with energy and showcases the powerful sound of today’s young composers. As the main work, the orchestra performs two suites based on Maurice Ravel’s grand and enchanting masterpiece Daphnis et Chloé. The Dutch Student Orchestra 2026 embraces the theme “Untamed” this year.

The Dutch Student Orchestra & Noa Wildschut

“Her approach to the violin is more lyrical than demonstrative, but that made the performance fluid and sparkling,” writes The Times about Noa Wildschut. The collaboration with the Dutch Student Orchestra feels natural: young musicians connected by their shared love of music and their pursuit of excellence. Noa Wildschut is a rising star whose passion for music resonates in every detail of her playing. The Dutch Student Orchestra, though largely made up of non-professional musicians, performs at an impressive level thanks to their dedication and commitment. The interplay between Noa Wildschut and the Dutch Student Orchestra – young musicians who pour their passion into the music – makes this concert a special experience filled with musicality, expression, and a shared love of music.

Ravel, Prokofiev & Linker

Prokofiev’s Second Violin Concerto marks a turning point in his life and work. After years spent in Paris and the United States, he returned to the Soviet Union, where he had to reconcile his own musical style with the demands of Socialist Realism. The concerto combines lyricism and virtuosity and anticipates his later ballet music, such as Romeo and Juliet.

Ravel composed Daphnis et Chloé for the Ballets Russes, inspired by an ancient Greek love story. The ballet tells the tale of two children growing up and falling in love, who are saved from danger by the god Pan. Ravel’s music blends color, lyricism, and rhythm, bringing to life the drama and poetic atmosphere of the story.

For the NSO, Arjan Linker wrote a new composition inspired by the theme of “untamed.” During his studies, he became fascinated by Khayal, the classical music of North India, and immersed himself deeply in this tradition. Indian music has since become an important part of Linker’s musical language: he incorporates raga into Western compositions and is the first trombonist to perform Indian classical recitals.

Program

Arjan Linker – Commissioned composition
Sergei Prokofiev – Violin Concerto No. 2
Maurice Ravel – Daphnis et Chloé Suite No. 1 & 2