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. And just like that: with one move of his baton, we step into another world; a world of passion, joy, and light. Together. My name is Maggie, a third year classical violinist, and what you just read is the exciting moments right before we had our final performance with the dancers for the Martha Graham project in Theater Zuidplein. This year, I was privileged to take part in this unique project where Codarts Symphony Orchestra met the Codarts Dance Department. Big thanks to Mark Vondenhoff, our head of the classical music department, for being such a huge part of bringing this project to life! We started the project with a kick-off where Mario Camacho, one of the dancers’ main coaches, brought us into their world. He used his hands and body a lot when explaining and carried a special loving energy with him. I already adored him. He shared a bit about Martha Graham, the mind behind the choreography and stories we were going to be part of. I really enjoyed this kick off experience because it also gave us a chance as classical musicians to connect with the dancers: asking them questions and hearing back from them too. Throughout the weeks, we worked hard with Sander, our wonderful conductor, and built an amazing program. This included Sibelius Symphony No. 7, which we played in Het Concertgebouw for the first time as Codarts Symphony Orchestra! But my favorite times were the rehearsals with the dancers doing their pieces. I felt something magical happen when we first began playing with them, learning how to understand every move, every breath they take. The way we had to watch and anticipate made us connect on a deep level. I felt every emotion, and it often gave me chills on certain parts of the pieces because it was as if I felt my violin couldn’t even contain the emotions I was experiencing! Once we connected in this deep way with the dancers, everything changed. And that is what will remain with me. The connections I’ve made, felt, and seen with fellow artists creating together as one big energy. There are no words to describe how special and intimate this is, and I will remain forever stunned. I wish the students of the future an incredible time in this project; hang onto every moment, and search for the wonder in working with these incredible dancers; you’ll find that it’s absolutely hidden in every move, every smile, and every breath."
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, education and research come together, something truly valuable can emerge. Janine Stubbe’s inaugural lecture, “The Power of Art - From Promise to Practice” (Dutch), can be read here . Photos: De Schaapjesfabriek
On Friday 27 March, the first edition of the Codarts Orchestra Festival took place at De Doelen. It was an evening in which the versatility of Codarts students could be heard in full, with a programme spanning classical, jazz, pop and global musics. Audiences were free to move throughout the building, discovering different ensembles and styles across multiple halls and stages. This format made it possible to gain a broad impression of musical practice at Codarts in a short space of time, where collaboration and cross-genre work play a key role. Within the classical domain, highlights included performances by the Codarts Wind Band, which, together with the Royal Netherlands Marine Band, premiered REHAB by composition student Matthias Bodensteiner. The Codarts String Orchestra, led by Gordan Nikolić, also delivered an energetic and dynamic performance. Alongside these orchestral programmes, there was strong representation from Pop and Global Musics. Later in the evening, the Global Musics Silk Road Ensemble performed repertoire rooted in the historical Silk Road, bringing together a range of musical traditions within a single programme. The festival concluded in the Main Hall with the Codarts Pop Orchestra under the direction of Ronald Kool, presenting a set of original works and student arrangements, performed with the energy befitting a festival finale. The evening thus not only showcased the diversity of the programmes on offer, but also highlighted how students develop and present themselves across a wide range of musical contexts.
The evening marks the closing of the orchestral season and brings together, for the first time in years, an intensive collaboration between the Dance and Classical Music departments on one stage. At the heart of the programme is the work of pioneering modern dance figure Martha Graham. In celebration of the centenary of the Martha Graham Dance Company, a selection of her iconic repertoire will be performed by Dance students, accompanied by the Codarts Symphony Orchestra. Collaboration across disciplines The performance forms part of the annual Martha Graham project, in which students are given the opportunity to work at the intersection of dance and live music. This takes place only once every four years, making it a particularly valuable learning experience for students preparing for careers in dance productions and ballet accompaniment. The combination of choreography and live orchestral music creates a powerful and rare stage experience. The programme includes works such as Diversion of Angels , Acts of Light and Maple Leaf Rag , featuring music by composers including Norman Dello Joio, Carl Nielsen and Scott Joplin. A tribute to a dance legend Martha Graham is widely regarded as one of the founders of modern dance. Her style has influenced generations of dancers and continues to form an essential foundation within dance education. This performance offers audiences the opportunity to experience her work in a contemporary setting, performed by a new generation of artists. More information and tickets are available via the Theater Zuidplein website.
On Wednesday 20 May, Katendrecht once again came alive for Pop op de Kaap. Across various venues around Deliplein, more than thirty artists and bands presented their original music to a wide audience. One of the festival’s greatest strengths was its remarkable musical diversity. Visitors were treated to everything from intimate singer-songwriter performances and energetic rock bands to soulful R&B, jazz influences, electronic productions, alternative pop, funk, hip-hop and experimental crossovers that defy genre boundaries. This variety reflects the broad artistic development fostered within the Codarts Pop programme. From intimate listening moments to lively performances that had audiences dancing along, the combination of emerging talent, original compositions and the unique atmosphere of Katendrecht created a festival that felt both vibrant and personal. Each year, Pop op de Kaap showcases the entrepreneurial spirit, versatility and creativity of the Codarts Pop community. In this photo recap, we look back on a successful edition of Pop op de Kaap 2026. Browse the images below for a glimpse of an evening filled with music, talent and inspiration. Photos: Kelly Alexandre
This spring, the students of our Codarts Lyceum Classical Department completed their final music exams. Twelve wonderful concerts were assessed positively by various juries. The exams included two violin recitals, one cello, one clarinet, one harp, two piano, two bassoon, one trumpet, one euphonium, and one trombone recital. For these students in HAVO 5 and VWO 6, the music exams took place alongside their school exams, making their achievement all the more impressive. A period of central final exams now follows, and afterwards, on June 10, all classical students will perform during the festive closing evening at Muziekwerf at 7:00 PM. In addition, four students successfully passed their promotion auditions. A wonderful achievement and a celebration to experience. Congratulations to everyone!
The merger initiative, intended to unify Codarts and the Willem de Kooning Academy, was jointly initiated by Codarts, Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, and Erasmus University Rotterdam. The Willem de Kooning Academy is part of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences. The merger aimed to jointly deliver high-quality arts education in Rotterdam, addressing social challenges and supporting talent development under one unified banner. The educational institutions collectively recognise the potential and added value that strengthening higher arts education could offer for students, the city, and the institutions themselves. The potential merger between Codarts and the Willem de Kooning Academy has been thoroughly assessed, and findings indicate that, at this time, the combination of the two institutions does not provide a sufficient foundation for sustainably establishing a single Rotterdam arts institution. The current form of collaboration is considered the best route to achieving ambitions for robust arts education and pioneering research. The focus remains on strengthening and deepening existing collaborations, allowing each institution to contribute optimally to arts education in Rotterdam through its unique identity and strengths. David Lauwen, President of Codarts, stated: “Despite the end of the merger process, we remain united in our goals and look confidently towards the opportunities to realise our shared vision.” Sarah Wilton-Wels, President of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, added: “Our commitment to exploring collaborations that contribute to higher arts education in our city remains strong. This shared ambition and dream—high-quality arts education that our students and the city deserve—continues to be our guiding compass in shaping our educational and research collaborations. For now, we want to provide clarity and stability, so everyone knows where they stand.” Educational and Research Collaborations Codarts, the Willem de Kooning Academy (WdKA), and Erasmus University (EUR) have an established partnership in arts education and research. Joint projects and courses are organised in which students from all three institutions participate. Since 2015, these institutions have collaborated within the Rotterdam Arts & Science Lab (RASL). RASL offers dual degree programmes that bring together arts and sciences, enabling students to earn both a bachelor’s degree from a university of applied sciences and a university bachelor’s degree simultaneously. Additionally, the RASL minor provides an interdisciplinary perspective on education, and research that transcends the boundaries of art and science is encouraged. Next year, RASL will celebrate its 10th anniversary and has proven to be an excellent foundation for further intensifying collaboration between WdKA, Codarts, and EUR.
Our Bachelor programmes in Dance Education, Music Education, and Music have also been recognised among the top programmes in the Netherlands in the Keuzegids hbo 2025! With their high scores, these programmes have once again earned the prestigious ‘Top Programme’ designation and received the highly sought-after Keuzegids quality seal. This seal recognises the high standard of education we provide to our students. The Dance Education and Music Education programmes achieved outstanding scores of 95 points each, while the Bachelor of Music – covering Jazz, Pop, World Music, Classical Music, and Musical Theatre – scored 83 points. These results are a wonderful testament to the quality and dedication in our teaching. The Keuzegids hbo is an independent guide that annually evaluates the quality of higher professional education (‘ hbo’ ) programmes in the Netherlands. It supports prospective students in making well-informed choices for their studies. The guide bases its ratings on factors such as student opinions, study success rates, and employment data. Special mentions in Keuzegids hbo 2025 Besides the high scores, Codarts has also been included in the Keuzgids with special mentions: Music : Codarts is the only university of applied sciences in the Netherlands where you can study World Music. This unique opportunity allows you to specialise in a diverse musical genre that is not available in the same way anywhere else. Music Education : At Codarts, students in Music Education can choose elective modules such as digital music-making and advanced courses in the arts/Cultural Education, helping them refine their teaching skills. Dance Education : Our Dance Education programme places strong emphasis on ‘healthy teaching’. Students not only learn how to dance and teach dance but do so in a responsible way, with attention to nutrition and physiology. A higher-than-average number of students successfully complete the first year of this programme. Circus Arts : Our Circus programme also stands out, scoring high in study success. Students experience minimal challenges in progressing to the second year and graduate on time. We would like to thank our teachers and staff for their dedication and commitment to our students' success. Their passion and involvement make it possible for Codarts to consistently maintain such high standards in education. Where does the information in the Keuzegids come from? The Keuzegids hbo is published by Uitgever Keuzegids BV and is released annually for all prospective hbo students in the Netherlands. A key source for the rankings in the Keuzegids hbo 2025 is the 2024 National Student Survey (NSE), in which a large number of hbo students rate their own programmes. For more information, visit: https://keuzegids.nl/keuzegids-hbo/
The World Music department was established in the late 1980s by Jan Laurens Hartong and Joep Bor, making Codarts the first conservatoire in the Netherlands to concentrate on musical traditions from various parts of the world. This pioneering effort set a new standard, and over the years, Codarts has distinguished itself internationally through this department. Reclaiming a pioneering role However, an extensive survey of faculty and industry experts revealed that the World Music department, in its current form, no longer met the evolving needs and expectations of students and the music industry. Technological advancements and globalisation have introduced new challenges in music education. In response, Codarts is launching an updated programme that prepares students for an increasingly globalised musical landscape. With this transition, Codarts aims to maintain its pioneering role by focusing on new musical forms and modern technologies, including digital music production and cross-cultural projects with both local and international partners. Key changes Codarts is committed to an inclusive vision, where diversity and globalisation are at the forefront. One of the major changes includes the introduction of two new specialisations: Maqam Music and Afro-Caribbean South American (Latin) Music. To better equip students for international music careers, concrete steps will be taken in entrepreneurship, cultural diversity, and building both local and international networks. This will provide students with opportunities to broaden their horizons and enhance their skill sets. Impact on the music scene The transition of the World Music department is also significant for the music scene at large. By contributing to the development of a new generation of musicians who can bring together diverse musical traditions, Codarts enriches the global music industry. Codarts prepares forward-thinking musical talents for a continually evolving world. In this way, students become experts in their fields, innovative thinkers, and cultural ambassadors, in a world that increasingly requires connection through music. Proud of our alumni Our pride in the World Music department is further amplified by the stories of our alumni, such as Jawa Manla, who recently spoke on the television programme Podium Klassiek. She shared her admiration for Codarts as a unique place in the music world: "A place that changed my life. Nowhere else in the world is world music taken as seriously as classical music and jazz." Jawa emphasised how Codarts has shaped her as both a musician and an individual. Her story underscores why we continue to invest in the World Music department. You can watch the programme through this link .
While visiting Codarts Circus Arts, the panel was impressed by the openness during conversations with students, teachers and staff, and - more importantly - by what they had observed. Circus Arts meets all accreditation standards and criteria, including the special characteristic, and according to the panel, Codarts offers something unique with this programme, with a broad impact on both the students and the city of Rotterdam, and on the national and international circus community. The panel praised the safe and supportive environment Codarts provides for students, both mentally and physically, as well as the high level of performance made possible in part by the 'Team Around The Artist' (TATA) and our dedicated and demanding staff. The application for the special characteristic was seen as a strong reflection of the program's vision and its careful implementation. Panel: “The panel has never seen anything like it in the field of circus education: not only are the building and material facilities excellent, the fact that there is on-site support for the health and well-being of students provides an excellent material and support infrastructure for performers. The team is highly qualified, has strong professional networks and experience, and is tremendously dedicated.” A point of attention from the panel concerns diversity within the student population. Although the international composition is appreciated, it is recommended to also attract more Dutch and Rotterdam diversity in cooperation with relevant partners. This defintive report is submitted to the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organisation (NVAO) for formal renewal of the programme's accreditation for the next six years. Anna Beentjes, head of Circus Arts: “Codarts Circus Arts is very proud of the positive recognition we have received from the international accreditation panel. A recognition of the achievements we have made over the past six years, made possible by the combined efforts of the entire Circus Arts team.”
