In the Muziekcentrum van de Omroep (MCO) on the Heuvellaan in Hilversum, there is plenty to do and see. The Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, the Netherlands Radio Choir and the Metropole Orchestra rehearse intensively in the studios. This usually takes place behind closed doors. But there are regular activities to which you are welcome - such as concerts.

> Concert schedule Music Centre of the Broadcasting Sector

Through that site you can also order tickets online. The Lunch Concerts in the Muziekcentrum van de Omroep are free of charge, but you do need to reserve tickets. There is usually a lot of interest in these concerts. So be there on time. If you subscribe to the MCO newsletter, you will get the news first hand.

> Subscribe to the MCO Newsletter

Vibrant cultural centre

In the old VARA studios, today's Muziekcentrum van de Omroep (MCO), you can follow Hilversum's development as a broadcasting city almost literally. The MCO houses the oldest radio studio in the Netherlands, which VARA had built in 1932. Various studios were added to this studio in the 1950s, 1960s and 1990s, including the present rehearsal and recording room of the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra (850 m2), Studio 5. For the renovation of the oldest studio, the MCO recently received a subsidy from the Province of North Holland, which will also contribute substantially to the restoration and installation of the monumental Pierre Palla Concert Organ in Studio 1 of the MCO.

Home base for art and culture

Today, the MCO is a vibrant cultural centre where you can enjoy exceptional (classical) music from the past and present, played by the best musicians. The headline in the Gooi- en Eemlander recently read: "The Muziekcentrum van de Omroep is bustling beyond expectations". The MCO is also the home base for the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, the Groot Omroepkoor, the Metropole Orchestra and Globe Centre for Art and Culture, among others. You can enjoy a snack and a drink in our Muziekcafé Elling.

Text: Marius Kwaks