Student Liv Welmer performs with the Phion Symphony Orchestra

Last summer, she auditioned for Symphonic Summer. A large open-air concert by the Phion Symphony Orchestra on the Oude Markt in Enschede. She won the pitch, and now 21-year-old Liv will perform as a soloist during the Phion Symphony Orchestra's New Year's concerts.

Liv Welmer, photo: Emiel Muijderman

An opportunity for students

Phion Symphony Orchestra collaborates with ArtEZ Academy of Music in Enschede every year for its annual open-air concert. Together, they offer two students, a vocalist and a composer, the opportunity to be part of the musical spectacle.

On stage with classical opera stars

In the daily newspaper Tubantia, Music in Education student Liv talks about the new world she is discovering. "Suddenly I have my own dressing room with a fridge instead of a back room in a café."

The orchestra is playing an Italian-themed programme, La Dolce Vita. This fits in well with the song Caruso, which Liv chose for her audition. Together with the Phion Orchestra, Liv will be singing in six major concert halls in the Netherlands from January. She will be sharing the stage with opera stars Karin Strobos and Michael Wilmering.