Chris Muller wins Rogier van Otterloo Award!
2 August 2025
Chris Muller Wins the Rogier van Otterloo Award 2025
During the festive anniversary concert of Jong Metropole on August 2 at Radio Kootwijk, composer and arranger Chris Muller was awarded the Rogier van Otterloo Award 2025. The prize is presented annually to an exceptional musical talent working at the intersection of classical and popular music.
The award includes a cash prize and a commission to compose a new work for Jong Metropole, which will premiere during the orchestra’s next summer tour.
Ellen Overweel (Cultuurfonds), Chris Muller, Jochen Neuffer (conductor) and Ewout van Dingstee (NJON). Credits: Veerle Bastiaanssen.
"I feel deeply honored to receive the Rogier van Otterloo Award. It’s a huge encouragement to further develop my musical voice and to write new work for an ensemble that radiates so much talent and energy. It’s fantastic to now compose for the very orchestra I once played in." — Chris Muller
The award was presented during the celebratory program "The Best of Metropole", marking Jong Metropole’s 10th anniversary. Under the baton of conductor Jochen Neuffer, the orchestra performs a lively mix of jazz classics, symphonic gems, and fresh new arrangements.
The Rogier van Otterloo Award is an initiative of the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds, in collaboration with Jong Metropole. The prize aims to support and inspire promising young composers, arrangers, and conductors who work in the vibrant space between musical genres. Previous winners include Suzan Veneman, Kika Sprangers, and Tijn Wybenga.