The Metropole Orkest was founded in 1945 at the initiative of the Dutch government and Royal Family, making its radio debut on 25 November that year via Radio Herrijzend Nederland. Based in Hilversum, it combines a full symphonic string section with a big band, making it the world's largest full-time pop and jazz orchestra. Under chief conductor Jules Buckley, it has worked with artists ranging from Snarky Puppy and Jacob Collier to Gregory Porter and Dutch rapper Fresku, accumulating 24 Grammy nominations and four Grammy-winning productions.
The Metropole Orkest will release a joint EP in 2026 with rapper Fresku, featuring new music and reworkings of existing tracks.
The anniversary album Arakatak, led by conductor and composer Miho Hazama, will be released in 2026 as part of the orchestra's eighty-year celebration.
From 2026, the Metropole Orkest commits itself as orchestra-in-residence to Muziekgebouw Eindhoven, following the signing of a cooperation agreement on 27 June 2025.
On 25 November 2025, the Metropole Orkest celebrated its eighty-year anniversary; the first broadcast took place on exactly that date in 1945 via Radio Herrijzend Nederland.
Kybba and Metropole Orkest open ADE 2026 with a special anniversary concert celebrating the Basshall sound, featuring guest artists.
Fresku and the Metropole Orkest hold a public rehearsal on 23 October in Hilversum. See how the collaboration between the rapper and the jazz orchestra develops.
Rapper Fresku takes the stage with the Metropole Orkest in a special performance combining hip-hop and orchestral music.
Dutch rapper Fresku performs with the Metropole Orkest in a unique fusion of hip-hop and jazz.
Fresku performs new compositions and reimagined versions of his tracks alongside the Metropole Orkest in a special collaboration.
SYML performs with the Metropole Orkest, blending minimalist indie pop with lush orchestral arrangements in an intimate concert setting.
The Metropole Orkest performs The Beach Boys' greatest hits in a special arrangement at Ziggo Dome.
Angélique Kidjo and the Metropole Orkest celebrate the iconic voices that shaped African music.
The Metropole Orkest, a renowned Dutch jazz orchestra, performs at TivoliVredenburg with dynamic arrangements and international collaborations.
The Metropole Orkest, one of the world's most innovative jazz orchestras, performs at Het Concertgebouw.
Japanese piano virtuoso Hiromi performs with the Metropole Orkest in a unique collaboration blending jazz and classical music.
Japanese jazz pianist Hiromi performs with the Metropole Orkest in a public rehearsal conducted by Miho Hazama.