With this award, it is formally recognised that musical diversity is not only an artistic theme within the programme, but a structural and defining principle embedded throughout the curriculum. The panel concludes that Codarts offers an integrated Master’s programme in which Classical Music, Jazz, Pop and Global Musics are brought together within a single learning environment. These strands do not operate as separate tracks, but are interconnected and collectively contribute to students’ artistic development. According to the panel, Codarts distinguishes itself through the way this diversity
Codarts and de Doelen are formalising and deepening their collaboration. Whereas their relationship was previously most tangible through the physical connection between their buildings in the heart of the city, the two organisations are now taking the next step. Through a strategic partnership running until at least 2030, they aim to forge closer links between education, professional practice and research. At the same time, they seek to increase their joint significance for audiences and the city of Rotterdam. In doing so, the partnership reflects a broader development within the Dutch cultural
All bachelor’s programmes at Codarts Rotterdam have been awarded Top Programme status in the Keuzegids hbo 2027. Three results stand out in particular: Dance, Dance in Education and the Conservatoire rank first in their respective categories. Dance has once again achieved the maximum possible score. The results show that students rate the education at Codarts highly across the full breadth of its programmes. The fact that every bachelor’s programme has been awarded Top Programme status is strong recognition of the quality of the education and of the daily commitment of students, teachers and
Efe is already a familiar face within the Codarts Jazz community. In recent years, he has regularly been involved with Codarts as a guest teacher, sharing his artistic experience and professional expertise with students. His appointment as a permanent member of the faculty marks a new chapter in this collaboration. Born in Turkey and based in Rotterdam, Efe Erdem has built a broad, internationally oriented career spanning jazz, funk, soul, pop, theatre, Global Musics and contemporary performance. Alongside his work as a trombonist, he is active as a composer, arranger, producer and DJ. From
WAXES is a dance performance by Sarah Baltzinger and Isaiah Wilson with an all-female cast. In the performance, the makers look at the body from a different point of view. They explore the boundaries of dance and theatre. The jury praised the strong and raw energy of the performance. WAXES also brings together horror, humour and acrobatics. Light, sound and special costumes with wax torsos play an important role in creating the world on stage. Isaiah Wilson studied dance at Codarts Rotterdam. He later worked with ICK Amsterdam and Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company. In his work, he combines dance
The programme showcased a wide range of circus disciplines, including aerial, acrobatics, juggling, tightrope walking and object manipulation. Each act was conceived and created entirely by the students, offering a unique artistic perspective on themes such as identity, connection, transformation and imagination. Technical precision, creativity and personal storytelling came together in a diverse series of performances. Take Off is the annual graduation programme of Codarts Circus Arts, providing students with the opportunity to present their work to audiences, fellow students, tutors and
Jesse van Ruller has been a well-known name on the international jazz scene for many years. Since winning the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Guitar Competition in 1995, he has performed with leading jazz musicians from around the world and released several critically acclaimed albums under his own name. Alongside his work as a guitarist and composer, he is also an experienced educator. At Codarts, Van Ruller will teach both main subject guitar and ensembles, joining the guitar team of Ed Verhoeff and Ronald Schmitz. Together with long-standing Artist in Residence Nelson Veras, they
Built around the themes Silk Roads , South America and Afro-Caribbean Journeys , Wanderlust took audiences on a journey through a rich variety of musical traditions. From Anatolian and Ottoman music to Brazilian, Cuban and Afro-Caribbean styles, the festival demonstrated how cultural heritage, artistic craftsmanship and contemporary interpretations come together within the Global Musics programme. Throughout the week, dozens of ensembles and graduating students performed on the stages of both the WMDC's Grote Zaal and Kleine Zaal. Alongside ensemble performances, individual graduation projects
What does it feel like to perform in a production where music and dance become completely intertwined? Third-year Classical Music violin student Maggie Burns shares her personal experience of collaborating with the Codarts Dance Department during this year’s Martha Graham Project. "The red curtains rise up as the crowd’s talking comes to a silence. The spotlight is on Sander, the conductor, and both the musicians and dancers are in their positions, ready for the first instruction. You can taste the tension in the air as we all await the beginning of this special night. Clothes rustle, lights flicker
The event brought together more than 300 guests from the worlds of arts, healthcare, education and research, highlighting the growing importance of collaboration across disciplines. Rather than only speaking about the impact of the arts, Janine Stubbe made it tangible on stage through performances by students from the Classical Music, Circus Arts, Dance and Music Theatre programmes of Codarts Rotterdam. At the heart of the lecture was the belief that art can play a meaningful role in wellbeing, connection and society. For Codarts, this collaboration reflects a shared vision: where art, health
