Discover Royal Symphonic Winds Orpheus: Tilburg’s Musical Tradition!

 

Founded in 1864, Royal Symphonic Winds Orpheus proudly stands as one of Tilburg’s longstanding cultural institutions, offering nearly 160 years of musical heritage to the community.

Concerts for Every Ear

We find joy in creating and sharing music, evident in our various performances. Each year, we host our traditional New Year’s concert in the heart of our community. Outdoor concerts in parks as well as indoor concerts in concert halls across the city allow us to treat our audience to enjoyable and accessible music.

Embracing musical challenges is ingrained in our DNA. We seek innovation through crossovers, exploring themes, collaborating with external artists, and integrating other art forms into our performances. Additionally, we take pride in achieving musical excellence at wind band contests (Dutch: ‘concertconcours’), turning each performance into a unique experience.

Experience the charm of Royal Symphonic Winds Orpheus through our diverse concerts. Under the direction of conductor Hardy Mertens, our performances cover a broad spectrum of wind music, from classical to contemporary. Join us for an evening of musical variety, promising enjoyment for audiences of all tastes.

The Guiding Baton of Hardy Mertens

Hardy Mertens, our conductor since 2002, brings expertise and passion to each performance. His leadership has garnered international recognition, including the Buma Award for Dutch Wind Music in 2020 and the title of Knight in the Order of the Netherlands Lion in 2021.

Highlights of Our Musical Journey

Every five years, we participate in a wind band contest, a national obligation that ensures the orchestra maintains its standing in the designated division. Since 1950, Orpheus has proudly played in the highest division, now known as the 1st division. Contrary to viewing these events as necessary evils, participating in such competitions is embedded in our DNA. For us, it’s not just about the result; it’s about the journey.

We carefully select musical works, opting for pieces that present a challenge while complementing our ensemble. Group rehearsals and intensive weekends push us to our musical limits, all while maintaining a balance of healthy excitement and camaraderie. The journey toward a wind band contest is marked by strategic choices, musical depth, and a commitment to making each performance a uniquely enriching experience.

Celebrating Musical Excellence

At Royal Symphonic Winds Orpheus, music isn’t just a destination; it’s the challenge, and the joy of creating something extraordinary. Join us in celebrating the harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. After all, music is what fuels our passion.

Orpheus has been recognised for its commitment to musical excellence, receiving awards that acknowledge its contributions to the development of wind music. Join us in celebrating this rich musical tradition by attending one of our concerts!

An Open Invitation

We extend a warm invitation to all music enthusiasts to join us at our upcoming concerts. Whether you appreciate classical compositions or enjoy exploring contemporary sounds, our performances offer a delightful evening of music. On the ‘Agenda’ page of this website, you will find the latest details about the locations and dates of our planned events.

Are you up for a musical challenge, and do you play a wind band instrument at (semi-)professional level? Feel free to get in touch with one of our board members by sending an e-mail with your phone number, mail address, instrument, and musical experience to leden@khorpheus.nl. We will reach out soon to discover whether Orpheus might be the right orchestra for you!

Stay Connected

Keep track of our concert schedule on our website and follow us on social media for updates. Royal Symphonic Winds Orpheus looks forward to welcoming you to a world where symphonic wind music has been a cherished part of the community for over a century.

Join us for an evening of musical enjoyment, where the melodies of Royal Symphonic Winds Orpheus resonate with the diverse rhythms of Tilburg!