Dutch Chamber
Fest 2025

29-31 August, 2025

"Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything."

Plato

Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of a three-day chamber music festival!

Are you 13 to 23 years old and passionate about music?

Take part in the selection process, become one of the 12 best musicians, and unlock an exclusive opportunity!

Perform on a Prestigious Stage

Experience the thrill of playing alongside renowned musicians and take your artistry to new heights. This is your moment to shine!

Join a Global Musical Community

Dutch Chamber Fest is more than just a festival; it's an immersive experience. Connect with like-minded musicians from around the world, collaborate in ensembles, and create lifelong friendships.

Develop & Perform

Refine your skills in different ensemble formats and showcase your growth at the Grand Finale Concert on August 31.

A Special Bonus for All Participants

Even if you don’t make it to the top 12, you will still receive:

  • A free ticket to the Grand Finale Concert on August 31
  • Detailed professional feedback on your audition video, helping you improve and progress

Fully Sponsored Participation for Finalists

  • The top 12 musicians, chosen by the jury, will receive:
  • Accommodation in Arnhem from August 29 to 31, 2025
  • Full board meals throughout the festival
  • Private lessons with world-renowned musicians
  • Ensemble coaching in duos, trios, quartets, and quintets
  • A chance to perform on the legendary stage of Muzenzaal Musis Arnhem alongside professionals
  • A professional video recording of your performance – an invaluable addition to your portfolio
  • A chance to win the festival’s Grand Prix of €3,000!

This festival is your opportunity to grow, learn, and be inspired. Ready to take your talent to the next level?

Teachers and guests

Sofia Vasheruk

Piano

"Chamber music is one of the most profound experiences a musician can have — a pure and intimate form of communication without words. The earlier you learn to truly listen to and understand your musical partners, the sooner you’ll discover the deep beauty and freedom that lie at the heart of making music together."

Lisa Jacobs

Violin

"Chamber music is a shared journey of intellectual, emotional, social, and musical growth, often leading to lifelong friendships. Along the way, you learn when to stand up for your ideas, when to be flexible, and how to respect different perspectives.

Just like in life, it brings up issues of hierarchy, balance, and decision-making. Sometimes you encourage a quiet voice to speak up or ask someone to follow instead of lead — all in service of a greater goal: the music."

Carel Kraayenhof

Bandoneon

"The most beautiful thing is when a kind of chemical connection arises between musicians and the audience, and the music begins to circulate through our hearts and minds. The sound of the bandoneon brings you into contact with yourself. It reminds you that you are a whole human being."

Aleksandra Kaspera

Cello

"Music is a vital part of life, touching everyone—not just classical music lovers. It’s the soundtrack to our emotions and memories, helping us understand ourselves and the world. Music nurtures creativity, healing, and self-expression, especially when words fall short. It also supports brain development, memory, and confidence. That’s why music education is so important, and why teaching should be tailored to each student’s unique voice and goals. In the end, music is a universal language that helps us connect, communicate, and grow."

Andrey Nesterenko

Piano

""Chamber music invites you to step beyond your individual voice and become part of something greater than yourself. It sharpens your sensitivity, deepens your empathy, and demands a rare kind of attentiveness. In this space of mutual respect and creative exchange, true artistry begins to flourish.
In chamber music, silence is as meaningful as sound — it teaches you to listen not only with your ears but with your entire presence. The trust built between musicians transforms rehearsals into dialogue and performances into shared storytelling."

Registration

Applications for the 2025 edition are now closed.

List of events planned in this festival

Dorpshuis Schaarsbergen Kemperbergerweg 804 6816 RX Arnhem

Arriving of all participants 09.00 - 09.30

We are welcoming all participants at the Dorpshuis Schaarsbergen Kemperbergerweg 804 6816 RX Arnhem

Official opening 09.30

Opening of the festival, presentation of students, teachers, organizers, guest families, venues and schedules.

First workshop session 10.00 - 13.00

First 3 hours of individual lessons with one of the teachers

Lunch, forming first ensembles 13.00

Lunch, discussing the setting of ensembles, little break before next ensemble rehearsing sessions.

Workshops 14.00 - 18.00

First ensemble rehearsing

Dinner 18:00 - 19:00

Little student try-out concert 19.30 - 20.30

First try-out of ready ensembles at the Dorpshuis Schaarsbergen Kemperbergerweg 804 6816 RX Arnhem

Lookback moment 20.30

Dorpshuis Schaarsbergen Kemperbergerweg 804 6816 RX Arnhem

Workshops/lessons 09.30 - 12.30

Lunch 12.30 - 13.30

Workshop/lessons 13.30 - 16.00

Improvisation workshop by Johan van der Linden 16.00 - 17.30

Dinner 18.00

General rehearsal for the Final Concert on the 31.08 in Musis 20.00

Lookback moment 21.00

Dorpshuis Schaarsbergen Kemperbergerweg 804 6816 RX Arnhem

Last lessons/ensemble rehearsals 09:00 - 12.00

Lunch 12.00 - 12.45

Rehearsal at Musis, Arnhem 13.00- 15:00

Closing concert at Musis, Muzenzaal Arnhem 15:30 - 17.00

News & Events

Dutch Chamber Fest 2026: Announcing La Dame

After a year away from competition, Dutch Chamber Fest returns in 2026 with something different. On 30 August 2026, Musis Sacrum in Arnhem will host La Dame — a staged song-cycle for one voice, chamber ensemble, and the things that can’t be put into words. The programme traces a single dramatic arc: Ravel’s sealed elegance […]

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Dutch Chamber Fest 2025: The Summer of Music is Almost Here!

Summer is in full swing, and the Dutch Chamber Fest team is actively preparing for the 2025 festival! Ahead lies a unique musical event that will bring together legendary musicians, talented young performers from different countries, and a special guest artist whose name will be revealed soon. This year, the festival promises to inspire with […]

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12 selected talents

? We’re excited to announce… The selection has been made! We have chosen 12 wonderful young musicians from 9 different countries to take part in the masterclasses and final closing concert of the very first edition of Dutch Chamber Fest! The application process is now officially closed, and we’re thrilled to begin preparations for three […]

Read More

Dutch Chamber Fest 2025

The 2025 edition has concluded. Thank you to all participants, teachers, and audience members who made it possible.

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