No less than three of the four finalists of the Dutch Classical Talent Tour & Award 2021-2022 are Conservatorium van Amsterdam students or alumni. Clarinetist Jelmer de Moed, violinist Hawijch Elders and Maat Saxophone Quartet (photo) have been selected to develop their programmes with which they will tour twelve concert halls in the Netherlands in the 2021-2022 season.

From the jury reports:

Jelmer de Courage
"A sophisticated performer with a daring and hypnotic programme. He has complete control over his instrument and demonstrates the entire colour palette of the clarinet. "

Hawijch Elders
"Technically and musically sublime. What courage to challenge the violin virtuoso Paganini like this! A disarming and communicative violinist with an impressive sound. She easily fills the concert hall on her own."

Maat Saxophone Quartet (Daniel Ferreira, Catarina Gomes, Pedro Silva, Mafalda Oliveira)
"They speak the same language, literally and musically! Very high technical level, organic interplay and an amazingly sleek presentation. Their programme is original and stimulating, you want to keep listening.”

Dutch Classical Talent – Tour & Award is an 18-month talent development programme for young classical musicians who are studying al of have graduated from one of the Dutch conservatories. A professional jury selects four soloists, duo’s or ensembles from two audition rounds. These four finalists then go through a coaching programme in which there is plenty of room for personal and musical development, followed by a tour of twelve concert halls in the Netherlands and a final in which the they compete for the DCT Award and the Audience Award.