The Orkest Koninklijke Luchtmacht (Royal Netherlands Air Force Band) is one of three professional military wind orchestras of the Dutch armed forces. Founded just after the liberation in 1945 as a fanfare corps, it has been based at Gilze-Rijen Air Base since 2012. Its nearly fifty conservatoire-trained musicians - spanning classical, pop and jazz backgrounds - perform at military ceremonies and state occasions as well as public concerts across the Netherlands. Under chief conductor Major Jasper Staps, the ensemble is known for its wide-ranging repertoire and collaborations with guest artists.
The orchestra performs from 11 to 13 September 2026 at the National Taptoe in the Brabanthallen in 's-Hertogenbosch, the event's new home after twenty years in Rotterdam.
On 28 August 2026, the orchestra performs together with Trijntje Oosterhuis at the Airborne Veterans Evening in Ede, as part of the Heideweek.
In May 2026, the orchestra traveled to Curaçao for nine days of performances during SAIL Curaçao, connecting military personnel, island residents and visitors.
In May 2026, it was announced that the orchestra will tour Dutch theaters in December 2026 together with Jim Bakkum for the Christmas show 'Jim's Jingle Bells'.
The audiovisual concert program 'Into Orbit' - featuring film music from Interstellar and Top Gun: Maverick alongside pop music - toured Dutch venues in spring 2026.
