Young Composers Competition Delft: First round

What does the next generation of classical music sound like? On Sunday 15 November 2026, eight emerging composers will hear their musical ideas brought to life by DProject Orchestra at Muziekwerf Rotterdam, during the first round of the Young Composers Competition Delft.

The inaugural competition gives young composers from across the Benelux a rare opportunity to have their work performed by a live string orchestra. This year's theme is Nature, with each participant exploring the subject through their own musical perspective. Under the direction of conductor Marnix Willem Steffen, DProject Orchestra will perform eight musical sketches, offering audiences a glimpse into the creativity and imagination of a new generation of composers.

The selected participants are Agustín Maestre, Matteo Emanuele Vacca, Elefterios Tzortzakis, Liron Snitselaar, Pol Stam, Reinout de Vey Mestdag, Tom Raemakers and Trevor Pellikaan. Their work will be assessed by a jury featuring Edward Top, Camiel Jansen (Composer Laureate of the Netherlands) and Marnix Willem Steffen.

Unlike a traditional classical concert, this afternoon offers the chance to discover music that has never been heard in this orchestral setting before. The competition continues in May 2027 with a final round in Delft, where the finalists' completed compositions will be performed.

Tickets and practical information

The concert takes place at Muziekwerf Rotterdam, Haagseveer 4, from 15:00 to 16:30. General admission costs €15, with reduced tickets available for visitors aged 30 and under at €8.

Tickets are available through the official ticketing website.