Season 2025/2026 is just around the corner and the Residentie Orkest can't wait. General and artistic director Sven Arne Tepl talks with visible enthusiasm about the orchestra and the promising musical moments ahead.

Unique orchestral sound

Since the Residentie Orkest moved into Amare four years ago, it has been on a journey of discovery. This season, too, that journey continues. 'Along the way, a unique orchestral sound has emerged, inspired by the clarity and quality of the hall's acoustics,' says Sven. 'You determine your direction and prepare thoroughly. That's all about depth and craftsmanship. But being open to the unexpected - inspiring encounters, new audiences - is just as important. And that's the art: keep moving with what you encounter and find your way in it and formulate answers to it.'

"What do we want to experience together?

Openness and curiosity are central to Sven. "Whether it's a concert, family performance or neighborhood performance, everything starts with the question: who is our audience and what do we want to experience together? The program is a carefully crafted menu. 'Like a chef, you combine flavors and offer quality. People have to think: I want to be here, even without knowing exactly what to expect.' Sven enjoys the prospect: 'When I look through the program, I get so much appetite for all the beautiful moments. It will be an exciting and wonderful journey.'

A season full of special names

'First of all, I am extremely happy that Jun Märkl will be our new principal conductor. He is a professional who has it all. His physical expression and musically profound interpretations make him fascinating to watch. When the music dances, he dances with it.' According to Sven, Märkl's philosophy also fits the orchestra perfectly: 'He makes conscious choices and wants to be meaningful, both for the orchestra and for the audience.'

And it doesn't stop there. Sven proudly talks about the international artists who will join the Residentie Orkest this year. For example, violinist Bomsori Kim will be artist in residence: 'Not only is she incredibly talented, she makes visible contact with her audience, sincere and unfiltered.' Young conductor Chloe Rooke is experiencing her second season as emerging artist in residence. 'Chloe has piles of new ideas and an infectious enthusiasm and genuine fascination for her craft.'

The list goes on: regular guest conductor Richard Egarr, pianist Anna Fedorova, mezzo-soprano Barbara Kozelj, pianist Lucas Jussen, conductor Elena Schwarz, pianist Nelson Goerner... 'Each and every one of these artists who make each concert an unforgettable experience.'

The series: something for everyone

The more varied the audience, the more diverse their motivations. 'One comes for the repertoire, another chooses a specific day, and a third comes for a favorite instrument or musician. To cater to all those preferences, we try out various formats.' Thus the series, such as Sunday Morning, Symphonic Friday, Topianists and Close Up, came into being. 'We deliberately program familiar and new works. Think of Grieg's Piano Concerto combined with a new composition by Max Knigge, or Gershwin combined with Florence Price.'

Exciting combinations that appeal to both regular visitors and curious newcomers. Something for everyone, but without exception surprising, personal and meaningful.

Changing the world

Inspiring and mentoring young talent is essential, according to Sven. "We learn as much from them as they learn from us. This season, too, students from the Royal Conservatory of Music and orchestra members will play together in two Side by Side projects. "That interaction, that energy - that's incredibly inspiring. Talent development is not only about preparing new musicians for the field, but also about sharing dreams and ambitions. 'Sometimes they say: I'm going to change the world. Then I think: great, bring three more people!'

Music without borders

'Classical music is not for the elite. Sound and rhythm touch everyone,' Sven emphasizes. The Residentie Orkest therefore also wants to reach a wider, more diverse audience in the new season. Because if the orchestra stands for anything, it is social commitment. Sven: 'So we go out into the neighborhoods to meet new people.

For Sven, concerts are encounters between groups that would otherwise not meet. That's why the orchestra works with numerous community partners as well as schools, refugee centers and healthcare institutions. "As an orchestra, we have a responsibility to connect people and make art relevant.