Neojiba Orchestra

Founded in 2007, this Brazilian initiative's Orchestra of Excellence has made a name for itself internationally as part of a major government programme to expose young people in South America to music and culture. The Youth Orchestra has already given more than 300 concerts around the world, and in April it will add another prestigious venue to its list of venues: the Alte Oper. The opening concert of the Youth Orchestra Festival is dedicated to the young musicians of Neojiba - around 100 talented musicians aged between 13 and 27. With the drive of George Gershwin's 'Cuban Overture' and their own energy, they set the mood for the evening and for a festival in which the next generation is leading and playing. The same was true of the Nationaal Jeugd Jazz Orkest concert that followed. The Dutch collective sees itself as a big band for - so much Dutch is obvious - 'aanstormende supertalenten' up to the age of 26. Led by guitarist and composer Reinier Baas, the NJJO plays a repertoire of arrangements of pieces that have inspired the band members, and the young talents are always invited to write for the band. The result is a very coherent programme, despite the many influences, with music ranging from avant-garde to danceable grooves.

Parallel to the concert by the Nationaal Jeugd Jazz Orkest, an additional programme of short concerts and musical surprises will take place in the salons and foyers.