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Metropole Orkest
Metropole Orkest
Metropole Orkest
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The Metropole Orkest (transl. Metropole Orchestra) is a jazz and pop orchestra based in the Netherlands, and is the largest full-time ensemble of its kind in the world. A hybrid orchestra, it combines jazz, big band and classical symphony orchestra styles. Comprising between 52 and 97 musicians, it is versatile across many musical forms, and is equipped with a "double rhythm section" – one for pop and rock, and one for jazz based music.

Key Information

History

[edit]
Eurovision Song Contest 1970 rehearsals

The Metropole Orkest was founded in 1945 by Dolf van der Linden at the urging of officials from Netherlands Public Broadcasting, which manages and subsidizes the orchestra. The name of the group was suggested by van der Linden, one of the musicians, who led the ensemble for 35 years until he stepped down in 1980.[1] He was replaced by Rogier van Otterloo, who led the group until his sudden death in 1988. Dick Bakker then held the baton until 2005, when Vince Mendoza took over.[2] He gave the orchestra a more international character. In August 2013 Jules Buckley took over the position of chief conductor from Mendoza.

The Metropole Orkest is a regular feature at the North Sea Jazz festival and the annual Holland Festival along with many TV and radio programs. The Dutch film and television industry relies heavily on the Metropole Orkest for its film scores. From 2005 to 2013 the Metropole was under the baton of four-time Grammy Award winner Vince Mendoza and performed frequently on the concert stage, at festivals and on recordings of both Dutch and international artists.[3]

In European radio broadcasting, its closest counterparts are the BBC Concert Orchestra, and in particular the now defunct BBC Radio Orchestra which had similar instrumentation. The ensembles often performed with the same guest conductors and soloists, using the same bespoke arrangements.

The Metropole Orkest is known for its performances of world music and classic jazz works. It has worked with many prominent artists, including Ella Fitzgerald, Adrian Belew, Dizzy Gillespie, Al Jarreau, New York Voices, Tori Amos, Bono, Brian Eno, Hardwell, Elvis Costello, Within Temptation, Snarky Puppy, Marcus Miller, Todd Rundgren, Jacob Collier, Markus Stockhausen, Louis Cole, Triptykon, Cory Wong, Cory Henry, Basement Jaxx[4] and Robbie Williams.[5]

The Dutch government was considering withdrawing funding from the orchestra but, at the last minute, in December 2012, politicians secured funding for the orchestra until 2017.[6]

Starting on 31 January 2017, an online survey was held to select a group for a joint project. Six months later, Epica was elected from 650 suggestions, winning the most of 60,000 votes.[7] Without revealing the title of the existing Epica song that was to be recorded, a joint studio session was scheduled to take place in Hilversum on 13 December 2017.[8]

In the build-up to a Dutch parliamentary debate on the culture budgets, scheduled for 30 May 2018, the Metropole Orkest announced that by 2018 the subsidy budget cuts in the preceding years had caused a 50% reduction in the amount of work the orchestra could offer its musicians. Many of its musicians were no longer able to make a living from just their work at the orchestra, and faced problems combining the irregular work hours as a musician with part-time jobs needed to supplement their income. The orchestra objected to the situation as described, responding that it feared that the orchestra would diminish in quality or ultimately be forced to shut down completely.[9]

Chief conductors

[edit]

Honorary conductors

[edit]

Permanent guest conductor

[edit]

[10]

Orchestral composition (typical)

[edit]
7 First violins 3 Flutes
6 Second violins 4 Saxophones/clarinets
5 Violas 4 Double reeds
4 Cellos 4 Trumpets
2 Double Basses 4 Horns
Bass guitar/Double bass 3 Trombones
Guitar Bass trombone
Piano Tuba/euphonium
Harp Electronic keyboards
3 Percussionists Mallet keyboards
Drum kit Timpani

Selected discography

[edit]
Year Album Peak positions Certifications
AUT
[11] 		BEL
(Vl)
[12] 		BEL
(Wa)
[13] 		FIN
[14] 		FRA
[15] 		GER
[16] 		NED
[17] 		SWI
[18]
1998 The Latin Side — — — — — — — —
2001 Live Met Het Metropole Orkest
  • Credited to: Acda en De Munnik met het Metropole Orkest
  • Released: July 2001
  • Record label: Sony Music Local
 — — — — — — 14 —
2004 MetroPaul: Live In Het Concertgebouw
  • Credited to: Paul de Leeuw and The Metropole Orkest
  • Released: May 1, 2004
  • Record label: Universal Music B.V.
 — — — — — — 35 —
2006 My Flame Burns Blue
  • Credited to: Elvis Costello with The Metropole Orkest
  • Released: February 28, 2006
  • Record label: Deutsche Grammophon
 — — — — — — 68 —
2006 The Look of Love: Burt Bacharach Songbook — 27 — — — — 1 — NVPI: 2× Platinum[19]
2007 Sound Theories Vol. I & II
  • Credited to: Steve Vai with The Metropole Orkest
  • Released: June 26, 2007
  • Record label: Epic / Red Ink
 — — — — — — — —
2007 Who'll Speak for Love: Burt Bacharach Songbook II
  • Credited to: Trijntje Oosterhuis & Metropole Orchestra
  • Released: December 8, 2007
  • Record label: EMI
 — — — — — — 2 — NVPI: 2× Platinum[20]
2008 The Big Band Theory
  • Credited to: Barry Hay Metropole Big Band
  • Released: September 8, 2008
  • Record label: Blue Note
 — — — — — — 2 —
2008 Black Symphony
  • Credited to: Within Temptation & The Metropole Orkest
  • Recorded live on February 7, 2008
  • Released: September 22, 2008
  • Record label: Roadrunner, GUN Records
 36 16 24 32 77 17 3 25
2009 Ivan Lins & The Metropole Orchestra
  • Credited to: Ivan Lins with The Metropole Orkest
  • Released: August 2009
  • Record label: Discmedi
 — — — — — — — — Won Best Brazilian Album at the 10th Annual Latin Grammy Awards.
2009 Tears Go By
  • Credited to: Anita Meyer with Metropole Orkest
  • Released: October 23, 2009
  • Record label: T2 Entertainment
 — — — — — — 54 —
2009 In Een Ander Licht
  • Credited to: Stef Bos En Het Metropole Orkest O.L.V. Jules Buckley
  • Released: November 8, 2009
  • Record label: Niemandsland
 — — — — — — 24 —
2010 Crush
  • Credited to: Ivan Paduart & The Metropole Orkest
  • Feat. Bob Malach (ten sax) & Fay Claassen (voc.)
  • Recorded live in Brussels in 2008
  • Released: March 15, 2010
  • Record label: Mons Records MR 874495
 — — — — — — — —
2010 54 — — — — — — — — A nomination for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album and Best Instrumental Arrangement went to Vince Mendoza for arranging "Carlos", a track on this album, at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards.
2010 Alive Till I'm Dead — — — — — — — — BPI: Gold
2010 Moke + Metropole Orkest
  • Credited to: Moke + Metropole Orkest conducted by Jules Buckley
  • Released: October 24, 2010
  • Record label: Pias Holland
 — — — — — — 11 —
2010 A Tribute to Billie Holiday
  • Credited to: Ruth Jacott en het Metropole Orkest
  • Released: November 16, 2010
  • Record label: V&V Content
 — — — — — — 41 —
2011 Basement Jaxx vs. Metropole Orkest
  • Credited to: Basement Jaxx & The Metropole Orkest
  • Released: July 11, 2011
  • Record label: Atlantic Jaxx Recordings Ltd.
 — — — — — — — —
2011 Live with The Metropole Orchestra
  • Credited to: Alain Clark with The Metropole Orkest
  • Released: December 12, 2011
  • Record label: 8ball Music
 — — — — — — 39 —
2012 The Wine of Silence
  • Credited to: Robert Fripp, Andrew Keeling and David Singleton, performed by The Metropole Orkest, conducted by Jan Stulen [nl]
  • Recorded: June 28, 2003
  • Released: April 30, 2012
  • Record label: Discipline Global Mobile
 — — — — — — 98 —
2012 Better Get Hit in Your Soul: A Tribute to the Music of Charles Mingus — — — — — — — —
2012 Gold Dust — 49 — — 42 84 12 45
2013 Markus Stockhausen and The Metropole Orkest
  • Credited to: Markus Stockhausen and The Metropole Orkest
  • Recorded: June 25, 2011
  • Released: March 1, 2013
  • Record label: Intuition
 — — — — — — — —
2013 Sweet Soul Music
  • Credited to: Edsilia Rombley with The Metropole Orkest
  • Released: April 12, 2013
  • Record label: D.E.M.P.
 — — — — — — 7 —
2013 Lean on Me
  • Credited to: Sabrina Starke
  • Musicians: Vince Mendoza with The Metrople Orchestra
  • Released: May 2, 2013
  • Record label: 8ball Music
 — — — — — — 8 —
2013 Perfect Vision – The Esquivel Sound
  • Credited to: The Metropole Orkest
  • Recorded: 2012
  • Released: June 10, 2013
  • Record label: Basta Audio-Visuals
 — — — — — — — — Nominated for Edison Award for World Music
2013 Amsterdam Meets New Tango
  • Credited to: Pablo Ziegler and The Metropole Orkest
  • Recorded: April 18, 2009
  • Released: June 11, 2013
  • Record label: Zoho Music
 — — — — — — — —
2014 Live in Holland
  • Credited to: Asha Bhosle and Metropole Orchestra
  • Recorded: May 9, 2013
  • Released: April 11, 2014
  • Record label: Amstel
 — — — — — — — —
2014 At Abbey Road Studios
  • Credited to: Laura Mvula with Metropole Orkest
  • Released: June 2014 (digital download)
  • Released: August 2014 (CD, vinyl)
  • Record label: RCA
 — 184 155 — — — 26 — Nominated for BBC Sound of 2013.
Also nominated for the Critics' Choice Award at the 2013 Brit Awards.
2015 Karmaflow: The Rock Opera Videogame – The Original Soundtrack
  • Credited to: The Metropole Orkest
  • Released: April 30, 2015 (CD, digital download)
  • Record Label: BaseCamp Games
 — — — — — — — —
2015 Sylva
  • Credited to: Snarky Puppy & The Metropole Orkest
  • Recorded: April 19–20, 2014
  • Released: May 26, 2015 (CD)
  • Record Label: Impulse!
 — 118 161 — 131 — 20 — Won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards (2016).
2015 Clear Day
  • Credited to: Emilie-Claire Barlow with The Metropole Orkest
  • Released: October 23, 2015 (CD)
  • Record Label: Empress Music Group
 — — — — — — — — Won the Juno Award for Vocal Jazz Album of the Year in 2016.
2016 Compleet, Volmaakt, Het Einde[22]
  • Credited to: Gordon, The Metropole Orkest
  • Released: November 2016 (CD, digital download)
  • Record Label: Berk Music
 — 104 — — — — 8 —
2017 MO x Caro Emerald by Grandmono 52
2018 The Monk: Live at Bimhuis[23] —
2018 Scripted Orkestra[24]
  • Credited to: Henrik Schwarz & Metropole Orkest
  • Released: May 25, 2018 (CD, LP)
  • Record Label: 7k!
 — Nominated for Best Classical Album at the 2019 A2IM Libera Awards.[25]
2018 If You Really Want
  • Credited to: Raul Midón with The Metropole Orkest
  • Recorded: June 30 – July 4, 2014
  • Released: September 14, 2018 (CD)
  • Record Label: Artistry Music
 — Nominated for Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.[26]
2018 What Heat
  • Credited to: Bokanté + The Metropole Orkest, conducted by Jules Buckley
  • Recorded :January 6–8, 2018
  • Released: September 28, 2018 (CD, digital download, LP)
  • Record Label: Real World
 Nominated for Best World Music Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.[27]
2018 Djesse Vol. 1[28] "All Night Long" won Best Arrangement, Instrumental and Vocals at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.[29][30]
2019 Melkweg
2020 Brian Eno with Metropole Orkest
  • Credited to: Brian Eno with Metropole Orkest
  • Recorded: June 20, 1999
  • Released: December 4, 2020
  • Record label: Unicorn (unofficial release)
 — — — — — — — —
2020 Live with the Metropole Orkest
  • Credited to: Sohn, Metropole Orkest
  • Released: June 5, 2020 (LP, digital download)
  • Record Label: 4AD[31]
2021 Ledisi Sings Nina
  • Credited to: Ledisi
  • Released: July 23, 2021 (digital download, streaming, vinyl)
  • Record Label: Listen Back Entertainment[32]
2022 XXV

Awards

[edit]
Year Award Production
2009 10th Annual Latin Grammy Awards Best MPB Album: Ivan Lins & The Metropole Orchestra, with Ivan Lins
2016 58th Annual Grammy Awards Best Contemporary Instrumental Album: Sylva with Snarky Puppy
2020 62nd Annual Grammy Awards Best arrangement, instruments and vocals: "All night long" with Jacob Collier and Take 6

In the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards of 2011, Best Instrumental Arrangement went to Vince Mendoza for arranging Carlos, a track from the album 54 which the Metropole had recorded with John Scofield.

In 1996, the Metropole Orchestra performed the score of Antonia, a film which won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. They all also featured in "All Night Long" by Jacob Collier which won an award for the "Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals" at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Metropole Orkest

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Metropole Orkest is a professional Dutch orchestra specializing in , pop, and hybrid genres, founded in 1945 by the Dutch Radio Foundation at the initiative of the government and in exile during to broadcast and foster national morale. Based in with a core ensemble of around 50 musicians, it operates as the world's largest full-time ensemble of its kind, renowned for delivering orchestral performances with rhythmic groove across pop, , , , and film scores. Over eight decades, the orchestra has earned acclaim through collaborations with luminaries including , , , , and , blending classical precision with contemporary improvisation to pioneer "orchestral music with a groove." Its achievements include 24 Grammy nominations and multiple wins, such as for albums with (Best MPB Album, 2009 Latin Grammy) and , alongside recent nods for projects like Olympians with conductor . Leadership has featured enduring figures like founding conductor Dolf van der Linden (1945–1980) and modern permanent conductors , , and Miho Hazama, who have expanded its global repertoire and recording output from dedicated studios. The ensemble's emphasis on live innovation and archival preservation underscores its role in evolving traditions without reliance on subsidized narratives.

History

Founding and Early Years (1945–1960s)

The Metropole Orkest was founded in 1945 through a decision by the Dutch government and , operating from exile in , to create an ensemble dedicated to performing popular music at a professional level amid the cultural and social recovery following . The initiative, driven by the Dutch Radio Foundation, aimed to produce broadcasts of light music that would provide entertainment, hope, and communal connection to a war-damaged society. Composer and conductor Dolf van der Linden (1915–1999) was appointed as its inaugural chief conductor, recruiting skilled musicians—primarily Dutch but drawing from broader European talent pools—to form the core group. The orchestra debuted on November 25, 1945, starting with a modest ensemble of 17 members focused on radio programming. Under van der Linden's leadership, it rapidly grew by integrating a symphonic string section with big band instrumentation, pioneering a hybrid orchestral format suited to jazz, dance, and light entertainment genres. Early performances emphasized arranged popular works, such as vocal features and instrumental pieces like "The Gipsy Song" recorded in 1945, establishing the group as a versatile broadcasting staple. Throughout the 1950s and into the , the Metropole Orkest solidified its role in Dutch public broadcasting, with van der Linden composing and arranging much of the material to adapt international trends in for local audiences. Repertoire centered on groovy, accessible orchestral interpretations of standards and contemporary hits, as evidenced by recordings like "Jungle Drums" in , while maintaining a commitment to technical precision and innovative arrangements. This period marked the ensemble's emergence as Europe's pioneering full-time radio orchestra for non-classical popular forms, though broadcast opportunities began facing competition from television by the late 1960s.

Expansion and Institutionalization (1970s–1990s)

In the 1970s, the Metropole Orkest adapted to a changing environment under the continued leadership of founder Dolf van der Linden, who served as chief conductor from 1945 to 1980. Radio broadcasts declined amid the rise of television, prompting the orchestra to shift focus toward TV performances while maintaining its core function within the , primarily associated with VARA. This period emphasized stability and versatility, with the ensemble performing , , and popular arrangements to sustain public engagement and institutional funding. The year 1980 marked a pivotal transition with Rogier van Otterloo succeeding van der Linden as chief conductor, ushering in an era of expanded jazz-oriented repertoire and innovative arrangements. Van Otterloo, a and arranger with experience in film scores, directed the orchestra until his death in a car accident in 1988, during which time it collaborated with international artists including the Bill Evans Trio in 1978 and in the same year, broadening its stylistic scope and global profile. Following a transitional phase with guest conductors, Dick Bakker assumed the role of chief conductor in 1991, further institutionalizing the orchestra's operations through enhanced production of recordings and live performances across pop, , and hybrid genres. Bakker's tenure, extending into the 2000s, reinforced the ensemble's professional structure, with a core of approximately 50 musicians capable of scaling to larger forces, solidifying its status as a fully subsidized, full-time entity under evolving frameworks that integrated multiple pillars like NOS and .

Contemporary Developments (2000s–Present)

In 2005, assumed the role of chief conductor, succeeding Dick Bakker and infusing the orchestra with a stronger international orientation through collaborations with artists such as , , and . Under Mendoza's leadership until 2013, the Metropole Orkest achieved two Grammy wins—for albums with and —and garnered multiple nominations, elevating its profile in contemporary arrangements. Mendoza was appointed honorary conductor thereafter, maintaining a long-term association that produced further projects like the 2023 album Olympians, featuring nine original compositions from his 27-year involvement with the ensemble. Jules Buckley succeeded Mendoza as chief conductor in the 2013–2014 season, emphasizing genre-blending projects that merged , pop, and elements with performers including , , , and . Buckley's tenure through 2020 yielded a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for Sylva (2015) in collaboration with , alongside additional nominations and high-profile appearances such as BBC Proms tributes to and . The orchestra's work during this period contributed to its cumulative tally of four Grammy wins and over 20 nominations across productions. From August 2020, the Metropole Orkest adopted a model with three permanent conductors, including renewed commitments from Mendoza and the appointment of Hazama as permanent guest conductor starting in the 2020–2021 season, fostering projects with artists like and . Buckley transitioned to honorary conductor until 2023, when he resumed as chief to pursue innovative boundary-pushing collaborations, exemplified by a 2023 performance with jazz-funk duo . Recent efforts include a Grammy-winning arrangement on Jacob Collier's (2020) and the 2025 release of Somni with , underscoring sustained emphasis on symphonic pop-jazz hybrids and global partnerships.

Leadership

Chief Conductors

Dolf van der Linden served as the inaugural chief conductor of the Metropole Orkest from its founding in 1945 until his retirement in 1980, during which he recruited top Dutch musicians and shaped the ensemble into a versatile group capable of performing light music, jazz, and classical works for radio broadcasts. Rogier van Otterloo succeeded him in 1980 and led the orchestra until his sudden death on October 2, 1988, at age 46, maintaining its reputation for innovative arrangements in popular and jazz genres. Following van Otterloo's death, the orchestra entered an interregnum period without a designated chief conductor until 1992, when Dutch and arranger Dick Bakker was appointed to the role, serving until 2005 and expanding the 's international profile through recordings and performances that blended with orchestral elements. American , arranger, and six-time Grammy winner then took over as chief conductor from 2005 to 2013, directing acclaimed projects such as collaborations with and that earned for best large and best . British conductor assumed the position in 2013, leading until 2020 with a focus on boundary-pushing fusions of contemporary pop, , and symphonic music, including high-profile partnerships with artists like and ; he returned to the role in December 2023 after a stint as honorary conductor. During Buckley's initial tenure and beyond, the orchestra maintained a collaborative model, with Mendoza continuing as honorary conductor and Japanese composer Miho Hazama serving as permanent guest conductor from the 2020/2021 season onward to support diverse programming.

Honorary and Guest Conductors

The Metropole Orkest has appointed two conductors to honorary status, recognizing their extended leadership and contributions to the ensemble's hybrid jazz-pop-classical repertoire. served as chief conductor from 2005 to 2013, during which the orchestra secured two for collaborations with and , and he continues to lead projects several weeks per season as honorary conductor. held the chief conductor position from 2013 to 2020, overseeing high-profile recordings and performances with artists including and , before transitioning to honorary conductor at the outset of the 2020/2021 season; he resumed the chief role in December 2023 while retaining honorary ties from his prior tenure. In addition to occasional guest appearances by conductors such as Jörg Achim Keller for specialized projects, the orchestra maintains a permanent guest conductor role to foster innovative programming. Miho Hazama, a Japanese-born and conductor based in New York, assumed this position starting in the 2020/2021 season, having first led the ensemble in 2018; she has directed notable events like the 2023 North Sea Jazz Festival concert featuring vocalists , , and Camila Meza, and works with the orchestra several weeks annually to blend jazz improvisation with orchestral precision.

Ensemble Composition and Organization

Instrumentation and Size

The Metropole Orkest operates as a core ensemble of 50 musicians, facilitating flexible configurations from smaller or string subsets to full hybrid setups for recordings and performances. This size supports its distinctive combination of symphonic strings with elements, augmented by classical woodwinds, brass, percussion, , and a adaptable for genres like pop, , and . Strings: 8 first violins, 7 second violins, 5 violas, 4 cellos, 2 double basses. Woodwinds: 2 flutes (doubling , ), 1 oboe (doubling English horn), 2 alto saxophones (doubling , ), 2 tenor saxophones (doubling , , ), 1 baritone saxophone (doubling , ). Brass: 1 , 4 trumpets (doubling ), 3 trombones, 1 (doubling ). Rhythm and auxiliary: 1 guitar (electric or acoustic), 1 piano (doubling electric piano), 1 double bass or bass guitar, 1 drum set, 2 percussionists (covering pitched and unpitched instruments), 1 harp. The ensemble features a double rhythm section capability—one oriented toward pop and rock, the other toward jazz—to enhance genre versatility without exceeding the core roster. Extensions, such as added bassoons or extra horns, can expand the group beyond 50 for specific projects, though the standard lineup prioritizes the integrated hybrid structure.

Operational Structure

The Metropole Orkest functions as an independent cultural institution under the Stichting Metropole Orkest, a foundation established in to facilitate greater autonomy following its prior affiliation with the . Until that year, the ensemble received primary funding from the (NOS), the Dutch Broadcasting Corporation, which supported its operations as a . The transition to foundation status enabled self-management while preserving its role as a full-time professional dedicated to , pop, and hybrid genres. Funding combines public subsidies with self-generated revenue, reflecting a model of partial state support amid fiscal constraints. The orchestra receives structural subsidies from the Dutch government, though these constitute approximately 50% of its budget after a 2012 reduction and subsequent adjustments. Additional income derives from ticket sales, international tours, recording projects, and sponsorships, positioning the organization as increasingly entrepreneurial to sustain artistic ambitions without compromising output. In 2016, further subsidy cuts were implemented despite the ensemble's artistic successes, underscoring reliance on diversified sources for stability. Governance adheres to the Dutch supervisory model for cultural foundations, with oversight provided by the Raad van Toezicht (), chaired by Laetitia Griffith and comprising members such as Liesbeth Bijvoet, Yassine Boussaid, Ramon Mesman, Marc Adriani, and Bas Erlings. Day-to-day falls to an executive , including an artistic manager responsible for programming, collaborations, and operations, ensuring alignment with the orchestra's mission of and audience . This structure emphasizes artistic independence while maintaining fiscal accountability to public funders. Operationally, the maintains a core ensemble of 52 full-time musicians employed on permanent contracts with full social security and pension benefits, enabling consistent rehearsal and performance schedules averaging 40 concerts annually. Administrative functions, including recording and educational initiatives, are centralized in , with dedicated facilities supporting both live events and studio productions. This setup fosters a collaborative environment prioritizing groove-oriented orchestral , with flexibility for guest artists and genre-spanning projects.

Musical Style and Repertoire

Hybrid Orchestral Approach

The Metropole Orkest distinguishes itself through a hybrid orchestral framework that merges symphonic precision with the improvisational energy of big bands and the rhythmic propulsion of popular genres. This approach features a core ensemble of approximately 50 musicians, expandable to larger formations, incorporating a full symphonic for lush harmonic textures, big band-style and woodwinds for punchy, idiomatic solos and ensembles, and a dedicated —including drums, bass, guitar, and keyboards—to underpin grooves across , pop, , and styles. Such instrumentation enables seamless transitions between classical techniques and contemporary , allowing the orchestra to interpret scores that demand both notated fidelity and spontaneous interaction. Central to this method is an emphasis on "orchestral music with a groove," where traditional symphonic forces adapt to the metric flexibility and swing inherent in and pop, often requiring detailed rhythmic notation for the entire ensemble rather than isolating a separate group. This contrasts with conventional symphony orchestras by prioritizing causal rhythmic drive—rooted in traditions—as the foundational element, even in hybrid fusions with electronic, hip-hop, or influences. Arrangers exploit the orchestra's versatility to layer symphonic depth over pop arrangements, as seen in collaborations that reimagine tracks with amplified riffs and swells synchronized to backbeats. The evolution of this approach traces to the orchestra's post-World War II origins in performing light and , maturing into a platform for -blending innovations under chief conductors who integrate jazz-centric viewpoints into orchestral settings. Chief conductor has articulated this as an ongoing effort "to be a part of the evolution of the modern musical canon," fostering arrangements that challenge boundaries while maintaining empirical fidelity to each source material's idiomatic demands. This results in that verifiable through recordings demonstrate causal interplay between sections, yielding a sound profile unattainable by standard classical or ensembles alone.

Core Genres and Innovations

The Metropole Orkest's core repertoire centers on and pop, extended to encompass , , hip-hop, film scores, and , all interpreted through an orchestral lens emphasizing rhythmic groove and . This focus originated in its founding as a for popular entertainment, evolving to prioritize contemporary forms over traditional classical works. A defining innovation is its hybrid structure, integrating brass, reeds, and percussion with full symphonic strings, enabling seamless transitions between swing-driven ensembles and expansive orchestral textures without relying on amplification for balance. This setup, comprising 52 to 97 musicians depending on the project, supports versatile genre fusion, such as layering hip-hop beats over symphonic swells or adapting film cues with improvisational solos. The ensemble advances musical innovation by commissioning works that bridge genres, exemplified in projects connecting post-war light music traditions with modern experiments like electronic-infused arrangements. Under conductors like since 2013, it has emphasized "groundbreaking experiments" in live settings, including real-time improvisation within large-scale formats, which distinguishes it from conventional symphony or big band models. Such approaches have yielded unique outputs, like orchestral adaptations of pop icons' catalogs, fostering a sound described by the orchestra as unparalleled in professional ensembles. While self-characterized as the "world's leading pop and orchestra," this claim aligns with its documented versatility in high-profile commissions, though independent verification remains tied to performance outcomes rather than formal metrics.

Notable Collaborations and Performances

Key Artistic Partnerships

The Metropole Orkest has forged enduring artistic partnerships with select international musicians and ensembles, emphasizing innovative arrangements of , pop, and contemporary works that have yielded acclaimed recordings and live performances. A cornerstone collaboration spans over 27 years with composer-conductor , who first conducted the orchestra in 1995 and has since helmed projects including tributes to and arrangements for , culminating in the 2023 album Olympians featuring nine original compositions tailored for the ensemble's hybrid instrumentation. This partnership, marked by Mendoza's Grammy-winning arrangements, underscores the orchestra's role in bridging improvisational with orchestral precision. Recurring ties with the instrumental collective Snarky Puppy represent another pivotal alliance, producing Grammy-recognized works such as their second joint album Somni, released November 21, 2025, under conductor Jules Buckley, described by the band as their most ambitious project to date with six dedicated recording sessions. Earlier efforts like We Like It Here (2014) evolved into full orchestral integrations, highlighting the orchestra's adaptability to groove-based improvisation. Vocalist Tutu Puoane's ongoing partnership, initiated with Wrapped in Rhythm and extended to Vol. II in 2025, integrates with orchestration under conductors like Jacomo Bairos, emphasizing themes of resilience and cultural heritage through newly arranged standards. Similarly, guitarist Cory Wong's 2024 release Starship Syncopation showcases funk-infused compositions amplified by the orchestra's , reflecting a pattern of elevating solo artists via bespoke orchestral backings. These alliances, often yielding Grammy nominations, prioritize empirical fusion over genre boundaries, as evidenced by shared performances with acts like DOMi & JD Beck in 2023 for reimagined electronic grooves.

Major Venues, Tours, and Events

The Metropole Orkest regularly performs at prominent Dutch venues, including the Concertgebouw in , TivoliVredenburg in , in , and Paradiso in , as well as larger arenas such as for events like the Avond van de Filmmuziek in 2024. Internationally, it has appeared at the in London, notably for two collaborative shows with in July 2011. The orchestra is a frequent guest at major festivals, such as the BBC Proms at Royal Albert Hall, where it completed its seventh appearance in 2022 and has performed multiple times since 2016 with artists including Jacob Collier and, in 2019, Lisa Fischer and Ledisi for a Nina Simone homage. It also participates in Musikfest Bremen and Dutch events like North Sea Jazz Festival (featuring collaborations with Joe Bonamassa and Jacob Collier in 2025), Holland Festival, Pinkpop, Lowlands, ADE, Noorderslag, and 3FM Awards. Tours focus on the Netherlands and neighboring countries like Germany, often tied to specific productions, such as the 2026 tour with Sheléa conducted by Jules Buckley. These engagements emphasize hybrid orchestral collaborations rather than extensive global circuits.

Recordings and Discography

Selected Albums and Productions

The Metropole Orkest has collaborated on numerous recordings that blend orchestral arrangements with , pop, and contemporary genres, often earning critical acclaim and Grammy recognition. A landmark production is Sylva (2015), co-created with the instrumental ensemble and conducted by , featuring extended improvisational suites that integrate grooves with symphonic textures; the album received the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album at the in 2016. Another significant release is the orchestra's contribution to Jacob Collier's (2018), particularly the track "All Night Long," arranged and performed under Buckley's direction, which fused vocal layering, harmonic complexity, and orchestral swells; it won the Grammy for Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals at the in 2020. Earlier collaborations include My Flame Burns Blue (2006) with singer-songwriter , conducted by , reinterpreting Costello's compositions and standards in a jazz-orchestral framework across 14 tracks; the album highlighted the orchestra's versatility in bridging rock influences with classical instrumentation. In 2011, Basement Jaxx vs. Metropole Orkest, a remix project with the electronic duo , transformed dance tracks into orchestral versions with live string and brass sections, emphasizing rhythmic propulsion and electronic-orchestral hybrids over 12 selections. More recently, Olympians (2023), composed and arranged by the orchestra's chief conductor Nicolas Fischtaler with guest soloists, earned a nomination for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album at the in 2024, showcasing original works that explore mythological themes through modern jazz orchestration.

Grammy Nominations and Awards

The Metropole Orkest has received six Grammy nominations as a featured artist, securing one win. This victory occurred at the on February 15, 2016, for Sylva, a collaboration with the band , in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category. Subsequent nominations include Best World Music Album for What Heat, recorded with the group Bokanté, at the in 2020; Best Global Music Album for Between Us... (featuring and others) at the in 2023; and Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album for Olympians, conducted by , at the in 2024, none of which resulted in wins. Beyond direct nominations, the orchestra has contributed to four Grammy-winning productions, including the track "All Night Long" from Jacob Collier's , which earned Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals at the in 2020.

Awards and Recognition

Major Honors

The Metropole Orkest was awarded the Edison Jazz/World Oeuvreprijs in 2016 by the Edison Stichting, a prestigious Dutch music prize akin to a lifetime achievement honor in the and categories, citing the orchestra's versatility, extensive oeuvre, and collaborations with renowned international artists. In 2018, the orchestra received special recognition from Musikfest Bremen, a leading German music festival, for its significant contributions to the event's programming and overall success. The Metropole Orkest won the inaugural Sublime Award in 2022, acknowledging outstanding musical achievements as part of a new Dutch awards initiative focused on contemporary genres. In January 2024, it secured the Music+Sound Award for Best Original Composition in a , highlighting its role in scoring innovative cinematic projects.

International Accolades

In 2018, the Metropole Orkest, under conductor , received the Bremer Musikfest-Preis from the Musikfest Bremen festival. This award recognized the orchestra's significant contributions to the festival's success through innovative performances blending , pop, and orchestral elements. The honor, one of Germany's notable music accolades, affirmed the ensemble's role in elevating the event's profile, as highlighted by managing director Jan Geert Vierkant, who noted it as evidence of the 's status as an "international top orchestra." Beyond formal prizes, the Metropole Orkest has garnered international esteem through repeated invitations to high-profile venues and festivals, including the in , where it has performed multiple times, showcasing its versatility in contemporary and hybrid genres to global audiences.

Challenges and Criticisms

Financial and Logistical Issues

The Metropole Orkest experienced severe financial strain beginning in , when economic constraints imposed by the Dutch government resulted in a 50% reduction in its structural . This cut coincided with the orchestra's transition to in , forcing it to restructure operations while maintaining a full-time ensemble of 52 to 97 musicians. Further reductions followed, including an additional 15% cut effective in 2017 despite the orchestra's artistic successes, such as Grammy nominations. These cumulative budget shortfalls nearly led to the orchestra's dissolution, prompting like public campaigns in to advocate for restored . By the mid-2010s, the orchestra reported a 50% decrease in available work for its musicians, limiting programming, rehearsals, and international engagements. To mitigate the crisis, the Metropole Orkest intensified efforts to secure private sponsorships and diversify revenue through collaborations, recordings, and self-produced events, reducing reliance on public funds from approximately 50% of its budget pre-2013 to a more precarious level thereafter. Logistically, the financial pressures exacerbated challenges inherent to the orchestra's hybrid large-ensemble format, which requires extensive coordination for travel, venue accommodations, and instrumentation across , pop, and symphonic styles. Reduced subsidies constrained tour schedules and forced scaled-back productions, as seen in curtailed European and North American outings post-2013, while the need for funding streams added administrative burdens on management. Despite these hurdles, the orchestra adapted by prioritizing high-impact, self-funded projects, such as Grammy-winning recordings, to sustain operational viability.

Artistic and Reception Critiques

While the Metropole Orkest has garnered widespread acclaim for its innovative fusion of , and orchestral elements, some critics have questioned the depth and execution in select collaborations. For instance, in the 2018 album What Heat with Bokanté, The Guardian's reviewer noted that despite the orchestra's "righteous and clever" arrangements, the lyrics' sentiments often felt "oddly remote," distancing the emotional impact even as the music demonstrated adaptability with subtle touches and cinematic surges. Similarly, a 2015 Guardian assessment of Sylva with described it as a "refined and cohesive orchestral suite," but external commentary highlighted the orchestra's underutilization compared to more assertive arrangements by conductors like , suggesting missed opportunities for fuller integration. Artistic critiques have occasionally centered on balance within genre-blending projects. The 2023 album Olympians, led by , received a middling three-star rating from Paris-Move, with the review expressing disappointment beyond standout vocal features like , implying the suite's lofty ambitions did not consistently translate to compelling cohesion despite the orchestra's technical prowess. In a 2024 collaboration with on nothing, acknowledged dynamic orchestral contributions but critiqued the work for "slightly uneven pacing" and retreading familiar musical territory, attributing these flaws partly to the fusion's challenges in sustaining immersion across tracks. Reception has also varied in live settings, where acoustic limitations have drawn nitpicks; a 2017 Arts Desk review of a Proms performance with Theo Bleckmann and praised the orchestra's energy but lamented the Royal Albert Hall's "temperamental acoustic," which muddied definition and balance in intricate passages. These observations underscore a recurring theme: the orchestra's versatility invites high expectations, yet executions dependent on collaborators can expose tensions between ambitious and genre fidelity, though such instances remain outliers amid predominantly favorable jazz and classical media coverage from outlets like All About Jazz and Jazzwise.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Influence on Contemporary Music

The Metropole Orkest has exerted influence on by pioneering orchestral interpretations of modern genres, enabling artists to incorporate symphonic depth into , pop, electronic, and fusion works. Its hybrid ensemble, blending classical strings with big band and rhythm sections, has facilitated genre-blurring projects that elevate non-orchestral compositions through sophisticated arrangements, as seen in its role as a versatile partner for living musicians rather than solely archival performers. This approach has encouraged composers and producers to explore "music with a groove" in orchestral contexts, bridging divides between concert halls and popular stages. Notable collaborations underscore this impact. In 2024, the orchestra released an album with guitarist , featuring live recordings that fused funk-jazz grooves with full symphonic backing, demonstrating its capacity to amplify instrumentalists' visions on a grand scale. Similarly, its 2024 partnership with drummer-producer on the album nothing integrated electronic and pop elements with orchestral layers, showcasing how the Metropole's precision supports experimental structures without overpowering the artist's core sound. These efforts have inspired subsequent works, such as Snarky Puppy's anticipated 2025 album Omni (initially referenced as Somni), billed as the fusion collective's most ambitious orchestral project to date, which builds on their prior joint recordings to push boundaries in live within symphonic frameworks. The orchestra's tributes to influential producers further propagate contemporary techniques. At the 2024 , it performed arrangements honoring J Dilla's beats—pivotal to hip-hop and electronic production—adapting his rhythmic innovations for large ensemble, thus disseminating his legacy to broader audiences and influencing how electronic motifs are orchestrated in live settings. Events like the 2025 genre-blending concert with DJ , reworking four decades of dance anthems, exemplify how the Metropole has normalized orchestral enhancements in EDM, prompting artists to rethink electronic tracks through acoustic lenses. Such initiatives have collectively advanced hybrid composition practices, with the orchestra's recordings and tours serving as models for integrating classical rigor into pop-jazz ecosystems.

Broader Contributions

The Metropole Orkest has advanced through targeted programs emphasizing professional training in and genres. Jong Metropole serves as the Netherlands' sole dedicated institution for such practice, enabling students to engage in hands-on workshops that simulate full production processes and build practical experience with large ensembles. Similarly, the orchestra's Arrangers Workshop offers emerging composers intensive collaboration with the full ensemble, guided by veteran conductors, culminating in public performances as seen in the 2018 finale. Collaborative initiatives extend to technical skill-building, such as the 2018 Metropole Academy project with Abbey Road Institute, where selected students directed orchestral recordings in professional studios, honing engineering and production expertise in hybrid musical formats. These efforts prioritize accessible talent development across societal layers, investing in both artistic passion and technical proficiency to sustain innovative orchestral traditions. Beyond direct training, the orchestra supports heritage preservation and cultural continuity via donor-backed projects that fund archival work and public outreach, reinforcing Dutch contributions to global and pop . Partnerships, including leadership observerships at , provide interdisciplinary insights into ensemble dynamics, adaptability, and high-stakes performance, influencing broader professional practices in collaborative arts environments. Such programs collectively bolster the ecosystem for genre-fusing music, ensuring long-term innovation without reliance on traditional classical silos.

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