The Fringe is a recurring component of the Festival Oude Muziek Utrecht that offers freely accessible festival concerts by students and young professional musicians. The concerts take place on historic locations throughout the city center of Utrecht and last around 45 minutes.

The Fringe functions as a springboard for young talent. It gives talented musicians the opportunity to present themselves to a large audience in some of the most beautiful concert venues in the historical city of Utrecht. All participating ensembles are also offered to receive feedback from professionals in the field.

The Festival Oude Muziek Utrecht offers Fringe musicians:

  • At least one performance in the fringe programme at a special festival location.
  • Free access to all festival events after collecting free tickets (unless sold out).
  • Feedback on the fringe concert by a coach from the professional field.
  • Travel reimbursement up to € 60 per person.
  • Overnight accommodations for musicians who live outside of The Netherlands, at the expense of the Utrecht Early Music Festival, in Strowis or another partner hostel.
  • Large instruments such as keyboard instruments, timpani and double basses can be provided (after consultation) by the festival.
  • One hour rehearsal time on location or in a rehearsal room on the day of the concert.
  • Support by volunteers on location.
  • Fringe musicians may keep all profits of the pay what you can arrangement at their concert.
  • Gain exposure to an (early music) audience.


Applications for Fringe 2025 will open in early 2025.

Click here for the rules & regulations.

We will process the applications of musicians/ensembles who:

  • Perform on historical instruments
  • Are not older than 33 at the moment the fringe concert takes place (applies to all individual members of an ensemble).
  • Have properly and completely filled in the application form, including the following:
    • At least 2 good-quality recordings (mp3/mp4) of the performers named in the programme proposals.
    • A pdf document with:
      • A short biography for each performer, including date of birth
      • A photo of the ensemble
      • Two programme proposals and list of personnel