Dutch Student Orchestra

Talent, ambition, and a deep love of music: these are what connect the Dutch Student Orchestra and violinist Noa Wildschut. In this concert, the orchestra shares the stage with the young prodigy Noa Wildschut, performing Prokofiev’s Second Violin Concerto together. As the main work, the Dutch Student Orchestra performs two suites based on Maurice Ravel’s most ambitious and expansive orchestral composition, Daphnis et Chloé. In addition, the orchestra presents the world premiere of the latest composition by composer and trombonist Arjan Linker. The Dutch Student Orchestra 2026 is presented under the theme “Untamed.”

Dutch Student Orchestra & Noa Wildschut

“Her approach to the violin is more lyrical than demonstrative, which made the performance fluid and sparkling,” writes The Times about Noa Wildschut. The collaboration with the Dutch Student Orchestra feels natural: young musicians united by their shared love of music and their pursuit of a high artistic level. Noa Wildschut is a rising star whose passion for music resonates in every detail of her playing. The Dutch Student Orchestra, although 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 music—makes this concert a special experience, full of 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 points ahead to 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 how two young people fall in love and are rescued from danger by the god Pan. Ravel’s music brings together color, lyricism, and rhythm, allowing the orchestra to bring the drama and poetic atmosphere of the story vividly to life.

For the NSO, Arjan Linker wrote a new composition inspired by the theme “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 component of Linker’s compositions. The Durga–Puriya Sonata is a special encounter between two ragas from North Indian classical music. Ragas are centuries-old melodic frameworks, each with its own tones, melodies, and character. Durga is one of the most important goddesses in Hinduism and is associated with a romantic evening raga. Raga Puriya, on the other hand, is often called the king of the evening ragas and has a serious character marked by deep concentration. The Durga–Puriya Sonata is the first symphonic composition with large orchestration to be based exclusively on ragas from North Indian classical music.

Program

Arjan Linker – Durga-Puriya Sonata
Sergei Prokofiev – Violin Concerto No. 2
Maurice Ravel – Daphnis et Chloé Suite No. 1 & 2