Welcome to the Phion Heersink Academy

You are dreaming of a musical career. And rightly so! You overflow with talent, brim with ambition, and have already completed an academic education. You work hard to become even better every day. What would really help is the chance to gain practical experience — at the top level, why not? Phion Symphony Orchestra offers you that opportunity through the Phion Heersink Academy!

The Phion Heersink Academy bridges the gap between education and the professional music world. Young, talented musicians are given a unique opportunity to further develop their skills and make the transition from education to a professional music career.

As Phion’s educational institute, the Academy takes its responsibility seriously. We aim to make a crucial contribution to the development of top musical talent in Europe. To achieve this, we offer young professionals a platform to grow and secure their future role in the world of music.

Training in modern orchestra culture

If you earn a place in the Academy, that’s your ticket to participate in symphonic, opera, educational, and chamber music productions within Phion’s diverse program. In addition to the wealth of artistic experience you’ll gain, you’ll receive intensive audition training with mental coaching, as well as masterclasses and workshops. You can safely call it the most complete next step on your path to a successful career as a professional musician!

What makes the Phion Heersink Academy even more appealing is the chance to take part in innovative, theatrical productions (an elective component). For several years now, Phion has collaborated with Theater Oostpool and Theater Sonnevanck on spectacular stage productions in which musicians also perform — not hidden away in an orchestra pit, but acting wordlessly on stage! Can you already picture yourself taking on such a role?

Applications for the 2026–2027 season are open!

In the 2026–2027 season, we are offering no fewer than five positions within the orchestra for the Phion Heersink Academy: Violin (2x), Viola, Cello, and Percussion. As a member of our orchestra, you will rehearse regularly in Arnhem and Enschede, and you will take part in concert series throughout Gelderland, Overijssel, and beyond.

Profile:
– You are not older than 27 years on September 1, 2026.
– You preferably hold a Master’s degree from a conservatory, but you may also apply if, in September 2025, you are in the second year of your studies.
– You are a resident of a country within the European Union, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland, or you already hold a valid Dutch work permit.
– You are available for at least 10 weeks to take part in various productions within Phion’s programming.

Apply before December 31, 2025 using the buttons below.
Auditions will take place on February 24 in Enschede for Percussion and Cello, and on February 26 in Arnhem for Violin and Viola.

Academy Members 2025–2026

Phion is now passing on an important musical tradition through the Phion Heersink Academy. In the 2025–2026 season, we are welcoming four academy members into our orchestra!

Lucia Warren

Canadian violinist Lucia Warren, 26 years old, studies violin at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam with Matthieu van Bellen (Phion’s first concertmaster). She comes from a musical family as her mother played the flute, and her father played the trumpet and conducted professional orchestras. She is most looking forward to performing Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 and taking part in an opera production. “I’m completely new to Europe, so I’m very grateful for this opportunity to learn at a professional level.”

Celia Muñiz Medina

Spanish violist Celia Muñiz Medina is 23 years old and is pursuing her Master of Classical Music at Codarts, studying with Julia Dinerstein. She has been playing the viola since she was seven years old and comes from a family made up mostly of pianists. In addition to her work in large symphonic settings, she is interested in exploring chamber music. “It feels personal and intimate, and I think it’s very beautiful to grow together as a group. My ultimate goal and plan, however, is to play in an orchestra performing symphonic works.”

Clarisse Feliciano Gomes

Flutist Clarisse Feliciano Gomes (22) comes from a small village near Lisbon, Portugal. She has been playing the flute since the age of ten. A wind instrument she began learning to help with her breath control and asthma. This year, she is completing her studies at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels with Carlos Bruneel. “It’s very vulnerable to step into the professional music world as a musician. The structure of the Academy allows me to get to know this world gradually, in small steps, which will have a great impact on my development in the long term.”

Darío Carmona Beltrán

Darío Carmona Beltrán, 22 years old and from Spain, studies at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam with Miriam Pastor and Aisling Casey. He has been playing the oboe since he was six years old. Although he doesn’t come from a musical family, he discovered the instrument at school during an “instrument garden,” where children could try out different instruments. Music education is very important to Darío, and he is therefore especially looking forward to Phion’s various educational projects. “It’s important that new generations also learn to listen to classical music. I think it’s really special to be able to bring classical music to people who might not otherwise hear it because of their background or current situation.”