At the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra Academy, the careers of young symphonic talents are prepared for the future. To achieve this, these talents are invited to perform as part of the orchestra family; they receive instruction and coaching, and are given the opportunity to explore the future of symphonic music and the symphony orchestra. Ultimately, they are helped to kickstart their symphonic careers.

Guided by the musicians of the Rotterdam Philharmonic, these talented young musicians gain a year’s worth of experience performing in symphonic and chamber music concerts. They will perform in and around Rotterdam until the summer of 2027; after that, the world is their oyster.

The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra Academy’s 2026–2027 cohort consists of five string players and two wind players from five different countries:

Mariana Vilela (Portugal) – violin
Miranda Rodriguez Guerra (Spain) – violin
Saray Ruiz Pulido (Spain) – viola
Beste Yildiz (Turkey) – cello
Grant Thomas (USA) – double bass
Diego Pajares Espiga (Spain) – flute
Michele Niccoli (Italy) – bassoon

Program:

Erwin Schulhoff (1894–1942)
Concertino for Flute, Viola, and Double Bass

Felix Mendelssohn–Bartholdy (1809–1847)
Concert Piece No. 1 in F minor, Op. 113

Louise Farrenc (1804–1875)
String Quintet