Phion Artist in Residence at ArtEZ Academy of Music Zwolle

Musicians and staff members from Phion will coach 26 students in orchestral playing, organisation, education, marketing and programming. In this way, students discover how diverse and dynamic the orchestral profession is in 2026, and how many different roles you can take on as a musician in and around an orchestra.

Learning in practice: concert, music theatre and Phion Festival

The collaboration is built around a series of concrete projects and events in which students participate actively.

• In November 2025, students were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the concert A Musical Journey Through America in concert hall Musis Arnhem. Afterwards there was a meet & greet with soprano Elisabeth Hetherington and conductor Joana Carneiro.
• At the end of January 2026, the music theatre production Droom! takes centre stage. Students follow this production with a special focus on education, innovation and the changing professional practice of orchestral musicians.
• The highlight of the collaboration is the Phion Festival in March 2026 in Arnhem and Enschede. ArtEZ students and Phion musicians will form a specially created project orchestra that will perform Brahms’ Fourth Symphony under the baton of conductor Joost Smeets. In addition, students will give performances in the fringe programme and develop educational activities such as lectures and workshops. This project orchestra and the fringe programme are made possible in part by the Paul Pella Fund.

Preview of a versatile career

The collaboration between ArtEZ Academy of Music Zwolle and Phion offers students an exceptional opportunity to gain intensive practical experience and to prepare for a versatile professional career.

More information

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