Overview
For the latest and most accurate information, please visit the official audition page.
Cello – Orchestra Academy
The Baron Swerts Academy at the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra is an exceptional programme that nurtures outstanding early-career professional orchestral musicians, offering diverse experiences and preparing them for careers as versatile orchestral musicians. Run by one of Belgium’s distinguished international cultural institutions based in Antwerp, it is warmly supported by orchestra musicians, staff, alumni, sponsors, and other stakeholders.
Programme
Academists will be engaged for 12 pre-scheduled weeks between September and June. During these weeks, there will be orchestra projects with leading conductors (including the chief conductor), workshops and training sessions, as well as a Mock Audition. The orchestra projects feature major symphonic works and Flemish repertoire.
Each Academist will be assigned a mentor and will receive 10 lessons from orchestra musicians of their choosing.
Requirements
Candidates for the 2026-2027 Baron Swerts Academy auditions must be under 27 years of age on the date of the audition, must follow or have completed a Bachelor in Music or equivalent, and must hold nationality of an EU country or Switzerland, or be able to provide an A1 for the entire season or a valid work permit for Belgium prior to applying. If these requirements are not met, participation in the audition is not possible.
Candidates are required to provide an ID which indicates their nationality.
Terms
Upon successful completion of the Baron Swerts Academy programme, students will be accepted into the second round of orchestra auditions for equivalent positions for a period of 3 years.
Academists will be remunerated according to the CAO voor het Paritair Comité voor het Vermakelijkheidsbedrijf.
