The Nationaal Jeugdorkest (NJO) has been the Netherlands' national top-level youth orchestra since 1957, bringing together more than 300 conservatoire students aged 18 to 26 each year through competitive auditions. Two intensive project periods anchor the season: a winter tour of the major Dutch concert halls and a summer tour that always includes the Muziekzomer Gelderland festival and often ventures abroad. Working with leading conductors and world-class soloists, the NJO is widely regarded as the key stepping stone between conservatoire training and a professional orchestral career.
The NJO receives the European Youth Prize and provides musical accompaniment at a grand gala at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, under the direction of conductor Antony Hermus.
The NJO Winter Tour 2026 brings a new Symphonic Cinema film featuring The Planets by Holst in its premiere at TivoliVredenburg, after which the orchestra tours to Heerlen, Haarlem, Nijmegen and Apeldoorn.
Cellist Douwe Eisses is appointed as young artist in residence during the Muziekzomer Gelderland 2026.
From the new audition round onwards, students at Belgian conservatories are no longer eligible for NJO membership; however, they can apply for a waiting list.
The NJO Pop Orchestra performed with Paul de Leeuw at the Maaiveld Festival in Apeldoorn, for an evening full of singing audiences.
The National Youth Orchestra presents a classical concert at Stadsschouwburg De Harmonie in Leeuwarden.
The National Youth Orchestra performs classical works by Britten, Shostakovich and Prokofiev with violinist Liza Ferschtman as soloist.