The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra is famous throughout the world for its interpretations of works in the Classical symphonic repertoire. But, as with its legendary performances of the works of Mahler and Strauss at the beginning of the 20th-century, the orchestra is also open to new developments in contemporary music. Exploring new horizons and sound spaces, the orchestra continues to foster relationships with contemporary composers employing unconventional working methods. Compositions by Theo Verbey, Moritz Eggert, Colin Matthews and Detlev Glanert, the first three having been written specially for the RCO, attest to the orchestra's unrivalled sound inspire tour-de-force performances by the musicians.

A supporter and enthusiastic advocate of such orchestral exploits, conductor Markus Stenz leaves his own unmistakable stamp on these live recordings. Jörgen van Rijen was featured in One to Watch in Gramophone, May issue.A Borletti-Buitoni Trust Award winner, the Verbeij concerto was commisioned by the RCO for him, the youngest member when he joined as principal trombone in 1997.