A COMPETITION FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
Willem Pijper Concours
The Willem Pijper Foundation, together with HKU Utrechts Conservatorium and the Order of Freemasons in the Netherlands, invites musicians to revive the music of one of the most important Dutch composers of the twentieth century, in a way that touches contemporary listeners.
OPEN TO STUDENTS AND RECENT ALUMNI OF ALL DUTCH CONSERVATOIRES.
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What makes this competition special?
Most music competitions judge participants on the basis of their musical skills. This competition offers more, as well as something different.
The Willem Pijper Concours focuses on the story you want to tell. Who are you as a musician and why do you want to tell this story? How do you position Pijper’s music in the lives of contemporary listeners?
We’re not only after great musicianship, but also challenge you to come up with a creative concept. To a certain extent, this competition is closer to an artistic project than to a traditional music competition.
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Who can participate?
The competition is open to students of all Dutch conservatoires as well as to musicians who graduated up to four years ago. You don’t need to have a degree, but you must be a professional musician.
Participants who dare to think creatively about programming, audiences and the story they want to tell and who are capable of bringing their ideas to life on stage, should feel at home in this competition.
THE ASSIGNMENT
Turn 30 minutes of music into an unforgettable experience
Design a concert programme of 30 minutes. At the heart should be a minimum of ten minutes of music by Willem Pijper, one of the most influential Dutch composers of the twentieth century. Add any works that shed a new light on Pijper’s music, or put his music in a new perspective that appeals to today’s audiences.
You are the architect of this musical experience. You determine the setting, the audience, the story. Will it be an intimate chamber music concert? The opening of an exhibition? An outdoor music festival? A musical opening of a symposium? The choice is yours, as long as Pijper’s music plays an essential role.
THE PROCEDURE
Two rounds, one winner
01
Preselection
Entrepreneurship
Is the proposal professionally sound, clearly written and well thought through?
Musicianship
Is the idea original, authentic and inspired? Is the proposal artistically coherent? Are structure, balance and contrast well thought through?
Storytelling
Is there a musical story? How is Pijper made relevant for today’s audience?
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Send in your proposal before 15 December 2026.
02
Final
Musical interpretation
Does your performing style fit Pijper’s musical language and the other elements of your programme?
Performance
How do you bring your ideas to life?
Persuasiveness
Do you succeed in really getting the story across?
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Finals are held on 27 March 2027 – HKU Utrechts Conservatorium, Utrecht.