jongNBE

What is jongNBE?

The Young Dutch Wind Ensemble, or jongNBE for short, is an ensemble of talented young musicians from Dutch conservatories, some of whom have already graduated, while others are still in the middle of their studies. The ensemble consists of 10 musicians (flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, saxophone, (bass) trombone, percussion and double bass/bass guitar) and is coached by experienced musicians from the NBE.

The jongNBE accompanies the young composers during the showcases of the Young Composers Competition and also plays its own programmes throughout the Netherlands. jongNBE has performed at the Grachtenfestival, at Vroege Vogels in Park de Hoge Veluwe, during lunch concerts in the Concertgebouw, at the Uitmarkt, on Opium on NPO Radio4, during the Oranjewoud Festival, at the World Cup Hockey, at the Cello Biennale and in the Holland Opera productions at Fort Rijnauwen.

The jongNBE educational program is made possible in part by:

Through het Cultuurfonds, with support from: 3 augustus 2004 Fonds, het Sonate Fonds, het Engbertha Loman Fonds, het Lievense Baan Fonds and het Fonds Muziekstudie.

Auditions jongNBE

Spots are opening up again in the jongNBE! On Saturday, June 6, auditions will be held for horn, trombone, saxophone, double bass/bass guitar, and drums/percussion.

Playing in jongNBE offers young musicians valuable experience in ensemble playing, programming, and performing. In addition, there is individual attention to learning areas such as arranging, education, production, etc. Moreover, jongNBE serves as a breeding ground for future talent within the NBE.

The pre-selection

Based on previous years, we receive too many applications to see everyone on a single audition day. Therefore, we are required to make a pre-selection. This will be based on your motivation and a short video in which you can be heard performing solo. Please make sure the video is no older than one year.

The selection will be carried out by several musicians from the NBE, led by artistic director Brandt Attema. You will be informed by May 11 at the latest whether you are invited to the audition.

There are several dates next season on which your availability is required. More information will follow after registration.

The audition

During the audition, you will play various pieces together with other candidates. Two of these pieces will be sent to you by May 11 at the latest. The remaining pieces will be provided on the audition day itself. In addition, everyone performs a solo piece of their own choice (without accompaniment) and introduces it with some engaging information. This combined introduction and performance may not exceed 2 minutes.

The jury consists of: Brandt Attema, Janneke Groesz, Bas Duister, and Felix Lashmar.

The audition day will be divided into two sessions. You will be assigned to one of them, so please keep the entire day free. If you have any availability issues for one of the sessions, please contact Richard Wanders (rw@nbe.nl) immediately upon registration.

AUDITION: June 6, 2025

TIME: 09:30–17:30

LOCATION: Amsterdam

You can apply until Friday, May 1, 2026.