Motoppers in the iconic Concertgebouw

At Motopp, our trainees work hard to build their IT knowledge and skills—but we also believe in creating meaningful shared experiences outside the classroom. Wednesday, March 12, was one of those special moments.

A large group of Motoppers gathered at the entrance of the iconic Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. We had been invited to attend one of the venue’s renowned Wednesday afternoon lunch concerts. With excitement in the air, we took our seats on the balcony, overlooking the stage as the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra rehearsed under the direction of conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali. It was a breathtaking experience. The Concertgebouw is world-famous for its phenomenal acoustics, and paired with the orchestra’s talent and Rouvali’s precision, it gave many of us goosebumps.

After this musical immersion, we continued our afternoon in the Pleinfoyer with inspiring conversations. Over coffee and tea, we gathered as Leonie Bot kicked off the second part of our visit. Leonie has been a member of the second violin section of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra since 2013. Fresh from rehearsal, she shared her journey to the top—a story of perseverance and discipline. Having just heard her perform, her words resonated even more deeply.

Next, we shifted to a very different—but equally fascinating—topic: the role of IT within the Concertgebouw. Roxanne Noori offered an eye-opening look behind the scenes at how the Concertgebouw, as a large international organization, tackles IT challenges such as cybersecurity and phishing threats. The session wrapped up with Saskia Roggeveen, Head of Marketing, who spoke about the challenges of engaging younger generations. She even touched on details like choosing the right color for a “Buy Tickets” button to maximize clicks. The energy and enthusiasm of these three women made the afternoon truly unforgettable.

At Motopp, we believe in the power of learning—both within and beyond IT. Events like this are incredibly valuable. First, they give our trainees a chance to explore outside their technical field. The IT world is vast and touches nearly every industry, including the cultural sector. For example, during the post-concert session, we learned how a major institution like the Concertgebouw deals with cybersecurity—highlighting how essential IT is in every corner of society.

The concert itself was a vivid demonstration of dedication and teamwork—core values in both music and IT. The stories from musicians and staff underscored the importance of discipline, resilience, and creativity, all of which are just as crucial in the tech world.

Shared experiences like this also strengthen the bond between our trainees. Experiencing something extraordinary together, in one of the world’s most prestigious concert halls, sparks conversations and connections that go beyond the workplace. In short, events like this aren’t just enjoyable—they play a vital role in our trainees’ personal and professional development. They offer new perspectives, build team spirit, and leave lasting impressions.

We left the Concertgebouw with fresh insights, meaningful memories, and a healthy dose of inspiration. It was a special afternoon spent with our incredible Motopp community!