Fresh from the Oven (FftO) was initiated by the Academy of Music and Performing Arts (AMPA) and the Master of Music (MoM) in 2021, to showcase the works of music students who graduated in the middle of the COVID lockdown of Spring 2020. Under very difficult circumstances, the students showed their creative potential, a strong resilience and persistence to make the best out of their graduation. The artistic results were wonderful, but unfortunately only a few people were present to witness these performances. FftO was formed to offer a larger stage to these musicians who did not get the opportunity to share their concepts and performances with wider audiences. Supporting our artists and offering them a ‘fresh’ stage, the festival is also formed to contribute to the support and revival of the local and international music life, affected by the health crisis in an unprecedented way. We aspire Fresh from the Oven to become a creative platform for the AMPA and MOM musicians, further away from the crisis that inspired its existence. FftO is meant to lead to a long-term connection with artists that were ‘baked’ in our academies and feel ready to feed the imagination of audiences throughout Europe.

The second edition of the festival, realized in 2022, highlighted this year’s remarkable graduates and welcomed alumni, students, partners and teachers at the beginning of a new academic year/cultural season. Its musically diverse format strengthened its character as a cultural event bringing in focus new music ideas, new musicians and new connections. Next to the performances line-up, the ‘Fontys Focus Ensemble’ was introduced; during this performance/presentation, guest ensembles share insights and experience on the creative and practical aspects of working in music.