Talentorkest Heerlen at the Concertgebouw Amsterdam
Thursday 18 June is a special day for the Talentorkest Heerlen. The young musicians will perform at the grand anniversary concert celebrating the 20th anniversary of Leerorkest Nederland. At the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam!
What is the Leerorkest?
Leerorkest Nederland brings music education to primary schools, so that children can learn to play together, listen, and grow. In Heerlen, pupils from years 5 and 6 at three schools take part: Basisschool de Mheyster, the Broederschool and Basisschool de Wegwijzer. The project is made possible during school hours by Stichting Leerorkest Nederland (with support from the Ministry of Justice & Security) & Nationaal Programma Heerlen Noord. For pupils who wish to develop their talent further, there is the Wijktalentorkest: an intensive programme for years 7 and 8, in which children rehearse weekly under the guidance of professional musicians and teachers.
Months of practice
The pupils performing in Amsterdam on Thursday have been working towards this for months. They have improved their instrumental skills, learned to play together, and rehearsed the pieces that will be heard at the Concertgebouw. They won't be standing alone: they will share the stage with the full Nederlands Philharmonisch Orkest, pupils from Leerorkest Amsterdam, various choirs, members of the Jong Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw, and several soloists. The programme is diverse, featuring music ranging from Elgar and Saint-Saëns to Son Mieux and Katy Perry.
SCHUNCK is proud of what these young musicians have achieved. This is their moment.