Orchestras

Groningen has a number of orchestras. Many of our teachers and alumni have jobs in orchestras.

Noord Nederlands Orkest

The Prince Claus Conservatoire has a close bond with the Noord Nederlands Orkest, Groningen's largest orchestra. Among other things, our Music in Education programme makes teaching packages for the education department, classical music students do internships in the orchestra, many of our teachers have jobs in the orchestra, as do a number of alumni, and regular guest conductor Antony Hermus has led a number of orchestral projects with us. Not to mention, they are our neighbours.

Johan Willem Friso Kapel

The Koninklijke Militaire Kapel “Johan Willem Friso” is one of the professional military orchestras and here, too, students can take internships. Chief conductor Tijmen Botma is also principal study teacher at the Conductor HaFaBra course, and the orchestra features a number of musicians who graduated with us.

Noordpoolorkest

Founded in 2009 by alumnus Reinout Douma, the Noordpoolorkest focuses on ‘everything but classical’. The line-up of this project orchestra is comparable to the Metropole Orchestra, or as they call it themselves, a very big big band. Almost all the musicians who make up the orchestra are students, graduates or teachers with us.

Kamerorkest van het noorden

The Kamerorkest van het Noorden is a young international string orchestra founded by two alumni. Almost all the musicians who make up this orchestra are students, graduates or teachers with us.

Student orchestras

Groningen has a number of student orchestras such as Bragi and Mira, as well as Stageband Jazz Orchestra, various music associations and choirs. You will also find conservatory students in and for these orchestras and choirs.