Concertgebouw confines its Academy to EU + Swiss
NewsThe orchestra has published a list of ten new entrants to its Academy. All appears to be EU nationals, plus one Swiss.
Is that a new rule – that EU orchs can only train citizens?
Here’s the list:
Sarah Décamps, violin (France)
Alessandro Di Giacomo, violin (Italy)
Hannah Solveij Gramss, violin (Germany)
Miranda Nee, violin (Switzerland)
Clara Petit, viola (France)
Liesbeth Bosboom, cello (the Netherlands)
Pedro De Elvas Raposo, double bass (Portugal)
Luna Vigni, flute (Italy)
Dovas Lietuvninkas, trumpet (USA/Lithuania)
Tim Ouwejan, trombone (the Netherlands)
Switzerland is not part of the EU.
It has joined the EFTA, which gives it reciprocal access to the EU internal market (including for labour). You know, the one thing the UK has refused to do.
Nothing wrong with EU institutions restricting access to EU member states or equivalent.
No, but it’s more EU like Norway is, than we are in the UK! Seems okay if you never joined in the first place but God help you if you did and then left like we did! Border diwn the Irish Sea after they tried to put one in Ireland itself, and nearly caused another war. No great borders between Switzerland and the rest of the EU or even Europe itself.
Orchestras in the Netherlands have a fairly long history of opening positions in their orchestras only to EU citizens, or those who already live there and have a residence permit. I believe exceptions can be made for principal positions, however? It is their loss.
No loss, just win. Why should someone in Europe study hard to become a first-class musician with the knowledge that regular orchestra positions will be quoted for the sake of diversity or else?
You’ve missed my point. By limiting the applicant pool, these orchestras are stopping many world-class (and often educated in Europe) musicians from countries outside the EU.
If the players are good enough, why not? Stop all this endless flying.
It is enough to check on the website of the orchestra….
Who can apply? Musicians who:
are not older than 26 at 1 September 2023 and
preferably have a Bachelor’s degree or are studying for a Master’s degree and
holding the nationality of a European Union country plus, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland. Or are in the possession of a valid Dutch working permit.
European orchestras should definitely prioritize Europeans.
That’s why the piece says: ‘EU + Swiss’.
There were several changes inside the RCO orchestra during the last months. It’s normal. We have seen that last week for the concert on the Dam Square. Because of the Covid-19 I deeply regret that the viola Ken Hakki didn’t have the opportunity to say good bye to the audiance in the good conditions he deserved.
The principal cellist of the Concertgebouw Orchestra is called Ken Hakii. Moreover, the subject being brought up here has no relevance to the Academy of young musicians. I am sure that Mr. Hakii will get a proper farewell after his long and excellent playing in the orchestra.
Ken is principal Viola.
Excuse, mr. Lim, for you are quite right. I was distracted by cello music being played!
Dear Melisande, there are worse things in life than being distracted by cello music, especially when played by interesting interpreters!
I have seen two different ways to write his name, you wrote probably the right one but he played viola at the RCO. I have read an article in the dutch press he’s no more in the orchestra. I have no doubts that the members of the RCO gave him the goodbye he diserved. It’s a little bite tough to don’t see him anymore just in front of the conductor.
Last time I checked, Switzerland was not in the EU.
We all know that and the EU, but it is still part of Europe – not the same thing. No border checks as such.
That might be why it says + Switzerland
Those are pretty standard requirements I think for many EU orchestras and in place since many many years…
This is another consequence of the Brexit. The academists in concertgebouworchestra get a fee, so it has to follow the laws of EU (+ country that allows EU citizens to freely work) It’s very sad for the young talented British musicians.
Let them stay at home and work!
I can’t say I really see what the problem is…
LOL. When the UK opens positions for only citizens it’s called protection of interests. But when the EU- EEA does the same thing, then it’s not so fun anymore huh? Britain chose to leave, so there you go.