Antwerp Symphony Orchestra

Basic

  • Title
    Violin – Academy
  • Type
    Academy
  • Duration
    From August 10, 2025 to June 30, 2026
  • Additional notes

    The Baron Swerts Academy by the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra is an outstanding programme which nurtures the finest early-career professional orchestral musicians,  introducing them to multi-faceted experiences and preparing them for a career as a versatile orchestral musician run by one of Belgium’s eminent international cultural institutions based in Antwerp.

    It is valued and warmly supported by orchestra musicians and staff, alumni, sponsors and other stakeholders.

    Program:

    The Academists will be engaged for 12 pre-scheduled weeks between September and June. In these weeks there will be orchestra projects with top conductors (including the chief), workshops and trainings, as well as a Mock Audition. The orchestra projects include major symphonic works and  Flemish repertoire.

    Each Academist will be assigned a mentor and will receive 10 lessons from orchestra musicians of their choice.

    Requirements:

    Candidates for the 2025-2026 Baron Swerts Academy auditions need to be under 27 years old on the date of the audition, follow or have completed a Bachelor in Music or equal, have the nationality of an EU country or Switzerland, or be able to provide an A1 for the whole season or a valid work permit for Belgium before applying for the audition. If these requirements are not met, you cannot take part in the audition.

    Candidates need to provide an ID which states their nationality.

    Terms:

    After  successful completion of the Baron Swerts Academy programme, students will be accepted in the second round of the orchestra auditions for equivalent positions for the duration of 3 years.

    Academists will be paid according to the CAO voor het Paritair Comité voor het Vermakelijkheidsbedrijf.

  • Application open for…
    • Instrumentalist
      Violin
  • Application period
    February 4, 2025 - April 30, 2025 (Europe/Brussels)
    28Days
    3Hours
    26Minutes
    24Seconds

Events

  • Audition (AUD)
    May 8, 2025 at 10:00 (Europe/Brussels)
    ASO Studio at Queen Elisabeth Hall
    Carnotstraat 10
    2060 Antwerpen
    Belgium
  • Event notes

    Academy auditions are held LIVE in Antwerp. No video or audio files will be accepted.

    Audition expenses such as travel or accommodation costs will not be reimbursed.

Pieces and accompaniment

  • Pieces

    Concerto:

    • Mozart 4 or 5 (1st movement, exposition)

    Orchestral excerpts:

    • Strauss, Don Juan

    • Mendelssohn, Midsummer Night's Dream

    • Bruckner, Symphony nr. 9 (2nd violin)

    • Brahms, Piano Concerto nr. 1 (2nd violin)

    • Shostakovich, Symphony nr. 5

    • Brahms, Symphony nr. 4

  • Accompaniment
    Piano – Accompaniment provided, but candidate can bring own

Requirements

  • Certificates
    • Scan of passport or ID card
      Passport/ID from a EU country or Switzerland. If not, an A1 form for the duration of the season or a valid work permit for Belgium before applying for the audition is required. Candidates need to provide an ID which states their nationality.
    • Diploma / degree
      Bachelor in Music or equal, or proof of pursuing a Bachelor in Music or equal
  • Age
    Between 18 and 27 years on May 8, 2025

Questionnaire (on application)

    • Cover letter

      Please provide a personal letter.

    • I agree that Antwerp Symphony Orchestra does not reimburse any expenses made for the audition.
    • Which concerto will you play?