Summer Tour 2025
6 augustus 2025
Looking Back on the Jong Metropole Summer Tour 2025
What a summer it was for Jong Metropole! During the summer tour from 28 July to 6 August 2025, under the direction of conductor Jochen Neuffer, the young musicians gave it their all: technically at the highest level, with heart, soul, and above all contagious enthusiasm.
Atmosphere & collaboration
From the very first rehearsal to the final note, there was a spirit of collaboration and shared artistic adventure. The musicians radiated joy — in their ensemble playing, in their attention to detail, in daring to go for dazzling passages as well as intimate moments. The repertoire — “The Best of Metropole” — brought a vibrant mix: from swinging jazz to symphonic jazz arrangements by, among others, Vince Mendoza, Bob Brookmeyer and Maria Schneider.
Neuffer succeeded in reviving the rich legacy of the Metropole Orkest, but in a form that resonates with the younger generation: energetic, innovative and unifying.
We truly enjoyed the indoor and open-air concerts!
Radio Kootwijk (former transmission station) on 2 August, with two performances (16:00 & 20:00). A unique location, magnificent acoustics, and an audience that was visibly moved.
Openluchttheater Caprera, Bloemendaal on 3 August. That evening felt like a warm summer night where the audience was completely swept away by waves of sound: jazz, classical and everything in between.
Zuiderparktheater, The Hague on 6 August. A magical open-air concert under the stars, where the connection between stage and audience was palpable. The music sparkled, the atmosphere was both relaxed and exuberant.
Rogier van Otterloo Award & new composition
One of the most memorable moments was the presentation of the Rogier van Otterloo Award 2025 to Chris Muller, during Jong Metropole’s anniversary concert on 2 August at Radio Kootwijk.
Muller not only received the recognition, but also the commission to write a composition for Jong Metropole in the spirit of Rogier van Otterloo. Expectations are high: his work promises further innovation and depth — perfectly fitting in the context of this tour. jongmetropole.nl
Also featured was the premiere of the new composition by Suzan Veneman, winner of the Award in 2024. Her piece added a fresh, distinctive voice to the program.
Audience & impact
The concerts were well attended, with venues chosen for their atmosphere, and the audience was carried away each time. From the transmission station at Radio Kootwijk to the open-air theatres in Caprera and Zuiderparktheater, applause resounded everywhere and a sense of connection could be felt. The combination of youth, craftsmanship, ambition and accessible repertoire ensured that audiences young and old were touched.
In short: the Jong Metropole Summer Tour 2025 was a celebration. A celebration of ten years of Jong Metropole, of renewal and tradition, of young musicians showing that the Dutch orchestral tradition has a strong future. The energy lingers on — a promising sign for the winter tour! Don’t forget to get your tickets early!
Photo credits: Veerle Bastiaanssen