Open Call for Students
Partners: North Netherlands Symphony Orchestra (NNO), Prince Claus Conservatoire, SPOT/Groningen, CrossWise
The North Netherlands Symphony Orchestra and its partners are exploring the orchestra of the future. Not by writing a new symphony, but by radically rethinking how symphonic music can be experienced. In June 2026 we will host a workweek in which students can experiment with technology, art, and music. The result: a final presentation during a concert in Groningen.
The Challenge
How can technology create an entirely new concert experience?
- How can musicians and audiences connect in new ways?
- What roles can visual layers, immersive sound, real-time information, movement, staging, light, or other sensory elements play?
- What can AI contribute to the symphonic experience?
- Can we create an artistic ecosystem that shifts the focus towards experience, play, and interaction?
We invite you to develop visionary, bold, and creative concepts that will transform the way audiences experience symphonic music. Think of combinations of music, technology, and play that create a total experience for both audience and musicians.
What’s in it for you?
Bring your vision to life on a real stage, collaborate with professionals from the Northern Netherlands Orchestra, and gain a unique experience in music, art, and technology. Hanze students can also earn Honours Credits for their participation. Turn your ideas into reality and leave your mark on the future of the symphonic music!
What we offer
- The North Netherlands Symphony Orchestra: a full symphony orchestra of about 70 musicians.
- The SPOT concert hall as your playground.
- Technical resources: close-miking, in-ear monitoring for musicians, and projection on a large screen. Involved tech partners and collaborating startups tba
- Coaching during the development and performance week.
- An intensive workweek (15–19 June 2026) in a creative environment.
- A final presentation: the concert on 19 June 2026 in SPOT Groningen.
Practical Information
- Apply below with a short description of your idea (max 500 words).
- Application deadline: 1 October 2025, 12:00 noon
- Pitch: selected ideas will be presented on 10 October 2025 (max. 10 minutes)
- Preparation: selected students will work from autumn 2025 towards the workweek and final concert
- Already involved in Playful Music? Then we can explore whether your project can be developed into a second iteration for June 2026.
Target Group
This call is open to students from a wide range of disciplines (music, arts, technology,
design, etc.) who want to push the boundaries of the concert experience. Collaboration and
group applications are also welcome.
Contact
For questions or more information: Jan Ruerd Oosterhaven
Call to Action
Do you dare to radically transform the orchestral listening experience? Apply now and help
shape the orchestra of the future!