Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen
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SOV Orchestra Academy: orchestra specialisation in collaboration with KASK & Conservatorium

As of the 2025–2026 academic year, KASK & Conservatorium – in collaboration with Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen – 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 Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen (SOV) for an entire academic year. 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 SOV Orchestra Academy structurally bridges that gap.

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A maximum of five selected students will be able to join Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen (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 Conservatoire 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.” 

Selection and quality

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. Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen also provides reimbursement for expenses.

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A unique learning experience

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.

Practical information

Audition date 

🗓 Friday 27 June 2025, from 2PM onwards

Location

MIRY Concertzaal (Biezekapelstraat, 9000 Ghent)

More info about the audition

Practical information productions

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Talent development

As a young artist, you need talent to stand out from the crowd, but playing opportunities and a professional environment with room for experimentation are at least as important. Through various programmes, Flanders Symphony Orchestra offers talented composers, conductors, musicians and aspiring soloists a taste of orchestral life.

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