Keep an Eye Outstanding Talent Award 2025!
12 december 2025
The Keep an Eye Foundation has been supporting Jong Metropole for many years. Each year, the Foundation presents the Outstanding Talent Award to a musician within the Jong Metropole orchestra who distinguishes themselves in an exceptional way. This may be through musical excellence, but equally through attitude, a strong sense of connection, or a unique role within the group. The winner is therefore not necessarily the best soloist or most prominent musician — there are many ways to be outstanding.
The recipient of this award is given the opportunity to pursue further studies or attend one or more masterclasses of their choice. For this purpose, they receive a tailor-made prize package.
The 2025 winner
Selecting a single recipient is never easy, given the high level and diversity within Jong Metropole. This year, however, the jury reached a unanimous decision.
The winner of the Keep an Eye Outstanding Talent Award 2025 is characterized by humility, clear artistic growth, and a proactive attitude. He distinguished himself as a true connector — both musically and personally — and his positive energy resonates throughout the orchestra.
Branco Valchev is the winner of the Keep an Eye Outstanding Talent Award 2025.
Conductor Sam Gale commented:
“This musician stood out through humility, growth and proactivity. He proved himself to be a true connector, both musically and personally. His positive energy radiates to those around him.”
With this award, Jong Metropole once again emphasizes that talent development is not only about technical excellence, but also about collaboration, humanity, and the way young musicians strengthen one another at the start of their professional careers.
Photocredits: Veerle Bastiaanssen