New: orchestra specialisation in collaboration with Flanders Symphony Orchestra

As of the 2025–2026 academic year, KASK & Conservatorium — in collaboration with Flanders Symphony Orchestra — will launch a new option within the master in classical music: orchestra specialisation for master students violin, bassoon, oboe or percussion.

A maximum of five selected students will be able to join Flanders Symphony Orchestra (SOV) for an entire academic year. The initiative is the result of a close collaboration between both institutions and is inspired by the successful model of the Royal Conservatory and the Residentie Orkest in The Hague, where students have been gaining hands-on experience in the professional orchestral world for years.

The programme was piloted last academic year. The positive experiences and results of that test project prompted the structural integration of this initiative into the curriculum. Starting in 2025–2026, the format will be offered as a full-fledged specialisation to a broader group of students.

This collaboration offers students a unique learning experience. They receive intensive coaching from experienced orchestra musicians and participate as full-fledged members in multiple productions throughout the season.

“This isn’t just an internship where you observe rehearsals,” explains general director Jos Roeden. “Students are truly integrated into the orchestra during both rehearsals and concerts. That makes this collaboration unique in Flanders.” 

Students participate in the Flanders Symphony Orchestra as full orchestra members. In the academic year 2025-2026, they will take part in the following productions.

Poska’s Final, 29.09 – 05.10.2025

The final concert series by Kristiina Poska as chief conductor of the Flanders Symphony Orchestra.

• Instruments: bassoon, percussion en oboe (Mahler – Symphony nr. 4)

Mozart Centraal, 17 – 30.11.2025 

A journey through 400 years of music history, in which every grand master, inspired by the legacy of his predecessor, rewrites it. The starting point is Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 21, with its timeless charm and perfect balance between virtuosity and melodic beauty.

• Instruments: oboe (Bach - Brandenburg Concerto No. 1)

Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, 15 – 21.12.2025

An ensemble of more than 200 professional musicians from the Flanders Symphony Orchestra, Brabant Choir, Souvenir Youth Choir and Breda Choir Academy will once again come together to bring Howard Shore's Oscar-winning soundtrack to life.

• Instruments: first and second violin, bassoon, percussion, oboe

Martijn's Dream, 13 – 25.01.2026 

Tchaikovsky's Winter Dreams is the starting shot for the new multi-year programme line that Martijn Dendievel has dreamed up. An inauguration you definitely don't want to miss.

• Instruments: first and second violin (full programme), bassoon and oboe (Brewaeys – Symphony No. 3 ‘Hommage’)

Mozart's Finest, 23.02 – 8.03.2026

Although Mozart's concerto is often regarded as the pinnacle of the classical clarinet concerto — or of his oeuvre tout court — this performance takes a unique turn: Valentin Uryupin takes on both the role of conductor and soloist.

• Instruments: first violin (full programme)

Roots, 23.03 – 05.04.2026

Brand new chief conductor Martijn Dendievel kicks off his Mendelssohn cycle with this concert.

• Instruments: first and second violin and bassoon (full programme)

The Planets, 19 – 26.04.2026

To translate the grandeur of the universe to the stage, the young musicians of SOV Young once again stand side by side with the orchestra.

• Instruments: second violin (full programme)

This collaboration also responds to a broader need: many students are technically strong after graduation but lack practical experience in a professional orchestral context. This specialisation structurally bridges that gap.

The programme aligns with Flanders Symphony Orchestra's broader talent development mission. “We want to offer students an experience that meaningfully enriches both their studies and future careers,” says Roeden. “Here, you truly learn what it means to be a full member of a professional orchestra — a rare opportunity during your studies.”

KASK & Conservatorium will continue to offer its existing programme: the school orchestra will remain active, as will masterclasses with Flanders Symphony Orchestra, opera productions, and collaborations with partners such as the International Opera Academy.

The specialisation is open to Master 1 and Master 2 students. Selection takes place via an audition, scheduled for Friday 27 June 2025. Only students who meet the professional standards of the orchestra will be admitted.

The first edition targets five students across four instrument groups:

• 2 violins — participation in four productions
• 1 bassoon — participation in four productions, two of which are partial
• 1 oboe — participation in four productions, two of which are partial
• 1 percussion — participation in two productions (Mahler 4 and The Lord of the Rings)

The students are integrated into the orchestra section as full members and receive coaching before, during, and after each production. In addition, they are awarded 9 ECTS credits, which are part of their curriculum. Flanders Symphony Orchestra also provides reimbursement for expenses.

To apply for the orchestra specialisation, send an email before Friday 20 June, 12:00 (noon) to Lukas Huisman at lukas.huisman@hogent.be, stating:

• your instrument;
• the date, title and content of your most recently obtained relevant degree;
• which session of the orientation test you would like to take part in (see below);
• your contact details;
• a statement that you wish to register for the audition for the orchestra specialisation.

You will then receive information about the auditions on 27 June 2025 in MIRY Concert Hall.

The orchestral excerpts that must be prepared for the audition can be found below. We may not request every excerpt during the audition, but we do expect you to thoroughly prepare all of the listed material.

• Students in Master 1 and Master 2 in Classical Music.
• External candidates are also welcome, provided they pass both the orientation test for the master’s programme and the orchestra audition.

Register for the orientation test (external candidates only):

April session

• Deadline: 20 March 2025 at 23:59
• Interviews: 28–30 April 2025

June–July session

• Deadline: 12 June 2025 at 23:59
• Interviews: 30 June – 4 July 2025

August session

• Deadline: 8 August 2025 at 23:59
• Interviews: 25–29 August 2025