General and Artistic Director Sven Arne Tepl could talk for hours about the past year—and even longer about what lies ahead. With obvious enthusiasm, he looks forward to the 2026–2027 season and the musical delights we Residentie Orkest expect from the Residentie Orkest .

Further refine style and sound

“This season, we’re not starting over, but rather delving deeper,” says Sven. The fantastic relationship between chief conductor Jun Märkl and the orchestra serves as the foundation for this: “They share a very special bond.” Because the conductor and musicians have known each other for years, they are able to continually refine their style and sound. “Jun understands the art of applying a unique sonic idiom to each repertoire.” Sven compares it to a clothing store: “French fashion uses different materials, textures, and colors than German fashion. At every rehearsal and every concert, the orchestra seeks out its own identity, a specific sound and color. And you can feel that.”

Everything came together during Messiah

For Sven, everything the Residentie Orkest stands Residentie Orkest came together during Handel’s Messiah in December. Not just musically, but above all on a human level. The performance with an amateur choir and the sing-along version made the orchestra’s mission truly tangible. “Experiencing music together, making music together, creates a magical connection between people. A connection that is sorely needed in our time,” says Sven. “People who would normally never meet are suddenly singing together—from lawyers to cashiers to police officers. They share something essential, each in their own way. That’s beautiful.” The piece is on the What's on again this year. Sven is already looking forward to it.

Violinist Stefan Jackiw is artist-in-residence

New for the 2026/2027 season is violinist and artist-in-residence Stefan Jackiw. Sven was immediately captivated by his intelligent interpretations and the clarity of his playing. ‘Stefan has been with us several times, and this residency is a logical next step in our musical friendship. He has incredible technique and a crystal-clear, rich tone that never clouds.’ Moreover, he always remains in dialogue with the composer, Sven emphasizes. “When he plays Mozart, Stefan is the translator, but Mozart is sitting next to him on the bench.” But of course, it’s not just about virtuosity: “Stefan is sincere and has integrity. When he’s with us, it’s a celebration.”

Meanwhile, regular guest conductor Richard Egarr constantly challenges the orchestra with his unfiltered spontaneity, bringing something different and fresh every time. Sven: “His interpretation emerges in the moment and depends on the audience, the venue, and the day. That makes it really exciting.” Conductor and emerging artist in residence Chloe Rooke also has a unique style: ‘She goes into the neighborhoods with us and is deeply committed. She is close to both the music and the people.’ Sven describes her conducting as open, enthusiastic, and clear. ‘She knows what she wants, and translates that into her leadership in a very natural way, with an eye for every colleague in the orchestra.’

Full of energy and inspiration

This coming season, in addition to the joint Orkestmaster, there will again be two Side-by-Side projects with the Royal Conservatory, in which students sit among the professional orchestra members. Together they will perform Mahler’s Symphony No. 3 and Lutosławski’s Concerto for Orchestra. ‘Those projects are bursting with energy and inspiration.’ And they’re certainly not a one-way street: ‘Young people ask new questions and hold up a mirror to us. That keeps us sharp and curious. I’m really looking forward to this again.’

Find your own path with the series

Whether you prefer classical or modern, are a seasoned listener or a newcomer, or prefer Friday afternoons or Sunday mornings: these concert series are for everyone. It’s the perfect way to discover the world of orchestral music. “We offer such a wide variety that both new listeners and seasoned concertgoers can choose, mix, and explore.” The series always consist of works that relate to one another in interesting ways. For example, in the Friday series, Lutosławski’s Concerto for Orchestra is paired with a piano concerto by Tchaikovsky. “That way, you experience how virtuosity takes many different forms.”

The new works include a piece by composer Robin Fiedler for Close to Classics and the Dutch premiere of Philip Glass’s Piano Concerto “M.” To mark Amare ’s fifth anniversary, a festive program Amare put together, featuring a piece by composer and cellist Bianca Bongers, among others. “And in addition, a number of new works by young Dutch composers.” Please be patient: ticket sales begin in May.

“Now my life begins”

Sven looks forward just as much to large-scale symphonic works as he does to small, intimate encounters. “Music is about experience and connection, not about location or scale, and it can deeply move people anywhere.” This became tangible during a Close to Classics performance, where Sven met a refugee. ‘Afterward, he said: “I was completely overwhelmed. Now I’m in the Netherlands, and here I’ve just experienced something that makes it feel like my life is only just beginning.” You could dismiss that as nice publicity, but it’s the essence of our profession: making a difference in people’s lives. That’s the added value we as an orchestra strive to deliver every single day.’