Montgomery–van Dooren Series

The Montgomery–van Dooren Series is an ongoing programme of masterclasses reflecting the long-standing engagement of Kenneth Montgomery and Jan van Dooren with the development of young artists, and the impact of their work on all those with whom they came into contact.

Launched with an inaugural masterclass by Joyce DiDonato in Spring 2024, the series continued with a second instalment featuring Pietro Spagnoli in Autumn 2025, and will be continued in the 2026/27 season.

Led by artists who worked closely with Kenneth Montgomery, the masterclasses are grounded in encouragement, curiosity, and rigorous musical exploration, with a strong emphasis on personal connection, trust, and sustained artistic development. Conceived as a continuation of a shared approach, the series places the emphasis on mentorship, collaboration, and the generous transmission of knowledge from one generation of artists to the next.

The Dutch National Opera Academy (DNOA) has its roots in Kenneth Montgomery’s opera class and teaching at the Royal Conservatoire The Hague. His involvement was central to shaping the Academy and its artistic ethos, and his influence continues to inform its work today.

In January 2023, he conducted DNOA’s production of Haydn’s L’isola disabitata with the Orchestra of the 18th Century. Completed shortly before his passing, this was his final opera production and reflected a lifetime of exceptional musical achievement and commitment to young artists.</span.