NNO | ENG

Get to know NNO

The NNO ranks among one of the top orchestras in the Netherlands and is the country’s past active professional symphony orchestra. It was formed in 1989 from a merger of the Noordelijk Filharmonisch Orkest (NFO) in Groningen and the Frysk Orkest in Leeuwarden, which had existed since 1950, but the history of the orchestra dates back to 1862. 

About NNO

The NNO has about 70 musicians of 11 different nationalities, together they perform symphonic music at over 100 concerts per season. You will encounter them in concert halls, outdoor venues, during festivals and performances for schools. For example, during the Pieter Roelf Youth Concerts where they introduce thousands of elementary school students to classical music. Or during a visit by our musicians in the classroom.  The NNO works closely with various other art institutions, the Prince Claus Conservatory in Groningen and the conservatories in Amsterdam and The Hague. 

The NNO is the orchestra of the North and has as its home base De Oosterpoort in Groningen but tours very regularly to other venues in the country, such as the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Tivoli Vredenburg in Utrecht and the Lowlands Festival. We can also be heard on radio, TV and (live) streams. Many young talented musicians have been recruited in recent years. 

NNO’s chief conductor is Norway’s Eivind Gullberg Jensen. Hartmut Haenchen is the regular guest conductor. The NNO also works with numerous conductors including Wayne Marshall, Susanna Mälkki, Han-Na Chang and Kerem Hasan. As well as top soloists, such as Nemanja Radulović, Simone Lamsma, Bertrand Chamayou, Alice Sara Ott, Martin Grubinger, Jeanine De Bique, Nelson Goerner, Eva Maria Westbroek and Leif Ove Andsnes. In short, the NNO is an orchestra distinguished by its versatility and innovative programming that makes symphonic music accessible to a wide audience. With a team of top musicians, conductors and of course enthusiastic people behind the scenes, the NNO offers an unforgettable musical experience for everyone. 

Working at the NNO

Click here for more information about vacancies and auditioning at the NNO.