Keep an Eye Outstanding Talent Award

Outstanding

The Keep an Eye Foundation has supported Jong Metropole for several years. The Keep an Eye Outstanding Talent Award is a prize for the most exceptional talent from Jong Metropole. It recognises the most inventive person, occupying an exceptional place within the group. The winner is therefore not necessarily the best soloist or the best musician, but can also be "outstanding" in another field!

The musician receiving this award will be given the possibility to study at the place of his or her choice or to follow one or more masterclasses. He or she will therefore receive a tailored prize package.

Winner 2025

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.

Branco Valchev receiving the Award woth conductor Sam Gale, photo by Veerle Bastiaanssen

Former winners

2024: Egor Tokarev & Sebastiaan West
2023: Teddy Sicking
2022: Nikolas Tsangaris
2021: flutist Ketija Ringa-Karahona
2020: trumpetist Bram van de Glind 
2018: percussionist Tim Hennekes
2017: violinist Esin Yardimli Alves Perreira
2016: cellist Rogier Hornman