The One Minute Symphony has become an integral part of the concerts presented by the “ Residentie Orkest.” For composition students at the “ Royal Conservatoire The Hague ,” it is a unique opportunity to write for a symphony orchestra and bring their own sonic world to life. For Max van Platen (1996), the One Minute Symphony was much more than a one-minute commission. It was his first work for a full orchestra, an introduction to the Residentie Orkest , and the beginning of a creative journey that culminated in *Opmaat*, the musical opening of the 2026–2027 season.

When Max heard that he would be allowed to compose a One Minute Symphony, he immediately realized just how special that opportunity was. “Up until then, I had written for soloists, duos, trios, quartets, and small ensembles, but never for a full orchestra. And for the Residentie Orkest, no less. What an opportunity!” For his piece, he drew inspiration from Constant Nieuwenhuis’s *The Blue Flame* at the Kunstmuseum Den Haag. The red-hot background, the blue flame, and the movement in the painting led him to the title *Dance of the Magpie*. “The movement, the imagery, and the two striking colors inspired me to translate the whole into a *One Minute Symphony*.”


was deeply impressed The commission felt especially meaningful to Max. He has lived in The Hague since he was fourteen, where he attended the Young Talent program before studying composition at the Royal Conservatory. During rehearsals, he was warmly welcomed and included in the professional process. “I felt at home and was able to ask whatever questions I wanted.” The moment his music rang out through the orchestra made a huge impression on him. “Hearing your own composition—which until then had only existed in your head and on the piano—and then suddenly having it performed by an entire orchestra of fantastic musicians—that’s truly amazing.” The collaboration filled him with pride, gave him valuable experience, and provided new energy for future compositions. Later, he wrote *Ode al vento* for the brass quintet of the * Residentie Orkest*, performed during * Prinsjesdag*.

*Opmaat*
His new composition , *Opmaat*, now marks the next step. The work will be performed on September 11 at * Amare * during the opening of the 2026–2027 season: a musical invitation to all that is yet to come. “The title Opmaat refers to the place this premiere occupies within the Residentie Orkest ’s programming. It is the very first program of the season, and I view this piece as a prelude to everything yet to come. What occupied my mind was the question of how I could bring together fragmentary montage techniques into a single, continuous arc of tension within ten minutes. As a fan of Stravinsky, I used to focus more often on musical elements that break through or playfully disrupt such a narrative arc. Although the various fragments differ greatly from one another in movement and dynamics, they share rhythmic and harmonic characteristics. As a result, a sense of unity can still emerge from that diversity."