Trainee NKK NXT

Please note: we are looking for all types of voices, not solely soprano!

Are you a vocalist (m/f/x) with a passion for performance? Have you completed classical vocal training and/or do you possess a strong classical singing technique? Do you want to do more than just sing on stage? Then NKK NXT 26/27 is your opportunity!

What is NKK NXT?
NKK NXT is the traineeship programme of the Netherlands Chamber Choir. Eight young, talented singers are given the opportunity to develop into versatile ensemble singers and creators. NKK NXT bridges the gap between education and the professional field — a programme centred around experimentation, artistic growth, and collaboration.

What will you do?
As a trainee, you will receive:

• A part-time position from mid-January to mid-July 2027.
• Coaching from the singers and staff of the Netherlands Chamber Choir.
• Workshops by leading experts in ensemble singing, improvisation, stage presence, choreography and artistic development.
• The opportunity to create your own performance, together with your fellow trainees

In addition, you will collaborate on a new co-production by the Netherlands Chamber Choir:

Medusa - in this new festival production, NKK NXT dives into the world of Medusa — not as the monster from mythology, but as a human being. As someone searching for a way to continue living after her sense of safety has been violated. From Medusa’s mind emerges her own Greek chorus: a twisting, singing inner world of voices.

Director Lisenka Heijboer Castañón and composer Stephanie Pan will work together with the singers of NKK NXT to create a musical performance in which our perspective on Medusa is reshaped through new and existing compositions.

Who are we looking for?
We’re looking for enthusiastic vocalists who:

• Have recently graduated, are about to graduate, or are at the start of their professional career.
• Have experience with ensemble singing and wish to further develop these skills.
• Are interested in interdisciplinary work.
• Want to improve their improvisation skills and are curious about different forms of performance.
• Wish to deepen their artistic practice and create together with fellow trainees and other artists.

Practical Information

• Contract period: mid-January to mid-July 2027 (average of 3 days per week). Kick-off day on November 17, 2026, dates subject to change.
• Salary: The The Netherlands Chamber Choir follows the CAO Muziekensembles collective labour agreement. The traineeship is classified in scale 4, step 0 until the premiere of Medusa. The following tour is classified in scale M, step 0.
• If you do not live in the Netherlands or cannot be employed on a Dutch payroll, please mention this directly in your application. We will look for a suitable solution together, but cannot guarantee one.

Application Procedure
Application deadline: Monday, July 6, 10:00 AM.

Step 1: Online Application
In the first round, you will complete an application form in which we ask you to reflect on your learning goals, your vision of the professional field, and the qualities you would like to contribute to the traineeship.

Please upload:

• Your CV
• A video (max. 5 minutes) in which you present yourself musically — you are free to choose what you sing, as long as your voice is showcased clearly. Creativity is appreciated.

Step 2: Live Audition (by invitation only)

• Dates: Monday, September 7, and Tuesday, September 8, 2026, between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM, in Utrecht.
• Content:  two workshops (ensemble singing and performance) a