Kamermuziek Concours Gelre is the competition for ensembles. Any duo, trio or ensemble of a larger size is welcome – as long as it does not have a conductor. The ensembles present themselves before a professional jury and can win master classes from top musicians.
Photo: Jimmy Israel
Concert hall De Vereeniging in Nijmegen is over 100 years old. Famed conductor Willem Mengelberg of the KCO (Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra) has called it “the most beautiful Concertgebouw in the Netherlands”. In any case, the acoustics are praised by many musicians; could it be because of the shoebox model of both the large and small halls in Concertgebouw De Vereeniging? Quite remarkably, they have the same model as the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam and the Musikverein in Vienna.
Photo: Akoesticum
Akoesticum is the first and only training centre for music, dance and theatre in the Netherlands. Many a professional has prepared, trained and developed new creative ideas in this inspiring ambience. Until 2011, Akoesticum was the Friso Kazerne. In 2014, Akoesticum opened its doors, a unique cultural venue and has since proved its right to exist
Winners 1st Prize 2023: SeT Duo with alderman Noël Vergunst | Photo: Willem Melssen
At Kamermuziek Concours Gelre, the jury will designate the winner of the first, second and third prizes. This will allow the winners to receive master classes to help them progress further, on their way to the big stages. But there are more prizes to be won. The Podium Prize will be awarded by an additional jury member on behalf of Concertgebouw De Vereeniging. The ensemble that wins that prize will give a lunch concert in the main hall of De Vereeniging. And then there is the Festival Prize. The winners of that prize will give a concert at the Grachtenfestival in Amsterdam. That prize is also awarded by an additional jury member on behalf of the Grachtenfestival.
The master classes are bespoke. Kamermuziek Concours Gelre is based on the idea that it is good for every ensemble to find master class teachers who can give them what they need at the moment of their development. It will always be an exciting quest to match wishes and content within the framework of the masterclasses that Kamermuziek Concours Gelre can offer.
Winners 2nd Prize + Podium Prize 2023: Duo Saraswati | Photo: Willem Melssen
The jury consisted of pianist Bart van de roer, violinist Peter Brunt and composer Karmit Fadael. Especially for the Podiumprijs, Kenne Peters, programmer of Concertgebouw De Vereeniging had joined the jury. Saxophonist Marijke Schröer represented the Grachten Festival in Amsterdam on the jury to award the Festival Prize. The finalists were each able to play a 15-minute programme. It became a very varied programme for the enthusiastic audience.
The following ensembles participated in the finals:
