On August 1st I received the Rogier van Otterloo Award, the incentive prize for talented young composers of het Cultuurfonds. The prize is awarded annually to an exceptional talent at the intersection of classical music and light music, and consists of a cash prize of €10,000 and a composition commission for Jong Metropole which will be premiered, recorded and released next year.
the jury report
The jury was impressed by the ambition with which Niccolò manages to develop his own musical language and artistic vision in his compositions and arrangements. His musical voice is distinct, personal and immediately recognizable. In addition to his exceptional craftsmanship and thorough knowledge of instrumentation and orchestration, the jury particularly appreciated his surprising, imaginative and catchy approach to composing.
Photo Credits by Veerle Bastiaanssen for Jong Metropole
Receiving the RvO award is deeply meaningful to me, especially following in the footsteps of my mentors Tyn Wybenga and Damiano Pascarelli. I accept it with a real sense of responsibility to honor the orchestral jazz tradition while serving as a spark for its future. My sincere gratitude to the NJON and het Cultuurfonds for supporting emerging artists like me.
Rogier van Otterloo Award
Rogier van Otterloo (1941–1988) left a lasting mark on light music in the Netherlands as an arranger, conductor and composer. As chief conductor of the Metropole Orchestra (1980–1988), he played an important role in connecting different musical worlds. Potential candidates for this award are scouted by a wide network of teachers, artistic directors and programmers. An expert jury assesses the submitters and makes a pre-selection with three nominees. Jong Metropole’s artistic direction then determines the winner.
The Rogier van Otterloo Award is made possible by the Cultural Fund. Jong Metropole is a collaboration between National Youth Orchestras of the Netherlands and the Metropole Orchestra and is made possible by the Keep an Eye Foundation and the Cultural Fund. Previous winners of the Rogier van Otterloo award were: 2025: Chris Muller, 2024: Suzan Veneman, 2023: Camiel Jansen, 2022: Bernard van Rossum, 2021: Kika Sprangers, 2019: Damiano Pascarelli, 2018: Tijn Wybenga, 2017: Jesse Passenier, 2016: Zacharias S. Falkenberg.