We are extremely pleased to announce that as of June 1, 2025, Douwe Nauta will assume the role of artistic director of the Ricciotti ensemble. Having previously been involved as an assistant conductor, he will succeed Coen Stuit after 6.5 years. The office, board, and orchestra members are very much looking forward to collaborating with Douwe in the coming period. We introduce our new artistic director in a short interview.
As an assistant conductor, you have worked closely with Coen Stuit, our previous artistic director. What have you learned from him?
Coen has unstoppable energy. He is someone who can look far ahead and gauge the maximum potential of a piece, a tour, a day, or an individual musician. He has a very good insight into what someone can do or what we as an orchestra can achieve together. From Coen, I learned to improve my judgment and to adapt my plans accordingly. Aside from Coen, I have learned that Ricciotti always manages to surprise me in a positive way.
But from now on, in this new role. Why did you want to become the artistic director of the Ricciotti ensemble?
I have been involved with Ricciotti for a long time. Through this, I’ve realized that above all, I am a musical all-rounder and a jack-of-all-trades, who gets excited about anything related to music. As a conductor and artistic director, I have the opportunity to constantly immerse myself in music in every possible way. Whether it’s preparing repertoire and studying scores, working with the group during rehearsals, or leaving various emotional impressions during live performances — I am always focused on music, but in 300 different ways, within 300 styles, and in 300 different locations. The chaos of Ricciotti is exactly where I want to be!
What are you most looking forward to in your role as artistic director?
I played as a violinist in the orchestra for 7 years, have been involved as an assistant conductor for the past 2 years, and now I’m taking the big step to become the artistic director. I know Ricciotti from many different angles, and I’ve had the chance to try, experiment, and do a lot — the possibilities here are endless. What I look forward to most now is continuing that line. In this new role, I can further develop myself in the fertile ground of Ricciotti, where everything is possible and allowed. A place where you’re truly allowed to stumble, as long as you do so with full conviction. On the other hand, I really enjoy the fact that I can now give back what Ricciotti has taught and given me over these more than 10 years of involvement. From this position, I hope to pass on the enthusiasm I’ve gained from all those who came before me to the musicians who will come after.
Working with our incredibly creative and fun team is also an exciting prospect. Everyone knows each other from Ricciotti. While that’s not a requirement for working here, it makes collaboration incredibly magical. And the positivity I already feel now, I carry with me to arrangers, composers, soloists, and everyone we work with.