ENSEMBLES 2026

Jonge Strijkers Nederland

Jonge Strijkers Nederland (JSN) is a leading Dutch youth string organisation, bringing together more than 75 talented musicians aged 7 to 20 from across the Netherlands, divided across three orchestras. Founded in 2015 by violinist Naomi Bach, JSN provides a high-level platform where young musicians develop their artistic skills and perform on prestigious stages such as the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Under the artistic direction of Nico Schippers, trombonist of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the artistic team includes violinists Emma Breedveld and Lonneke van Straalen as recent additions. JSN combines musical excellence with innovative programming, presenting a wide-ranging repertoire from classical masterpieces to contemporary works and world music. The young musicians are coached by top-level professionals, including members of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, ensuring a high standard of artistic and technical development. Regular collaborations with renowned soloists such as Liza Ferschtman, Maria Milstein, Lavinia Meijer and Nikola Meeuwsen provide further inspiration and valuable performance experience. JSN maintains a strong partnership with Nyenrode Business University, where its annual summer course takes place, combining intensive musical training with teamwork and personal development in a professional environment. The ensemble has gained international recognition, performing at the New York International Music Festival in 2025, including concerts in Carnegie Hall and Central Park. In 2026, JSN will perform in the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna. Education, mentorship and ensemble playing are at the core of JSN’s mission. By fostering both musical excellence and personal growth, the organisation contributes to the development of a new generation of string players in an inspiring and inclusive environment. Ambassadors of JSN include conductor Jaap van Zweden and Dominic Seldis, principal double bassist of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra.

www.jongestrijkers.nl

Nicolaas Johan Schippers

Conductor

Nico Schippers is a Dutch conductor, educator and artistic director of Jonge Strijkers Nederland, and a member of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra in Amsterdam. As conductor and artistic leader, he has shaped Jonge Strijkers Nederland into one of the Netherlands’ leading youth string organisations, bringing together exceptional young musicians in a high-level artistic environment. Under his direction, the ensemble performs at prestigious venues including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Carnegie Hall in New York and the Musikverein in Vienna. Schippers is recognised for his inspiring leadership and his ability to guide young musicians towards artistic excellence, combining technical precision with expressive depth and a strong sense of ensemble. Alongside his conducting work, he maintains an international career as a trombonist, performing and teaching at leading festivals and institutions worldwide. Through his work, Nico Schippers is dedicated to fostering the next generation of musicians at the highest level.