On Monday morning, June 22, 2026, more than 600 children from primary schools across Aruba will perform at the Renaissance Convention Center for the annual Leerorkest Aruba End-of-Year Concert. The event marks the culmination of a year dedicated to music education, teamwork, and personal development for the students.
The performance will feature students from Klas 3 through Klas 6, alongside the After School Orchestra, presenting a diverse program of international, Caribbean, and local music. Special guest conductor Patrick de Heus from the Netherlands will lead the orchestra. With extensive experience in the Dutch Leerorkest program, De Heus has spent the past week rehearsing with the Aruban students in preparation for the event.
Since launching in 2019, the non-profit organization has aimed to make instrumental music education accessible to every child regardless of financial situation through weekly lessons and after-school programs. Coordinator Juliette van Romondt emphasized the impact of the initiative. “Through music, children learn confidence, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance,” van Romondt stated. “This concert is a celebration of everything they have accomplished throughout the year.”
