The Royal Concertgebouw in Amsterdam has appointed Carlos Simon as its composer in residence for the 2026/27 season.
A First European Post
Simon — a composer, curator, and activist — described the appointment as his first formal position in Europe. "This residency is my first position in Europe, which is very exciting," he said. "I love taking my music to new places; the Concertgebouw is a dream in that regard."
His residency opens on September 7 with a performance of his composition Four Black American Dances by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra — a work that has become one of the most frequently programmed contemporary American orchestral pieces of the past three years.
The Concertgebouw's Residency Programme
The Concertgebouw's composer-in-residence programme is one of the most prestigious such positions in European concert life. The hall, renowned for its acoustics and its central role in the Dutch musical landscape, has hosted residencies from composers whose work spans the full range of contemporary concert music.
Simon's appointment signals the Concertgebouw's interest in programming that bridges American and European concert traditions — and in composers whose work speaks to audiences beyond the traditional new-music circuit.
Simon's Profile
Simon's work has been performed by major orchestras including the Philadelphia Orchestra, the National Symphony Orchestra, and — notably — the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra under Andris Nelsons. His catalogue ranges from concert works to film scores, and his curatorial work has focused on expanding the representation of Black composers in the classical canon.
"These halls are considered a gold standard," Simon said of the Concertgebouw. "I never thought my music could just be heard here."
The full programme of Simon's residency will be announced in the Concertgebouw's 2026/27 season brochure, expected in May.
Comments
Sign in to join the discussion.