Since 1948, all countries have been obliged under international law to help prevent or stop an suspected genocide.
Belgium included.
With this message, we call on the Belgian government to adopt a much more decisive policy against Israel’s flagrant violation of human rights in Gaza and the West Bank. The culture houses themselves will not enter into collaborations with Israeli cultural institutions unless they clearly distance themselves from the Israeli government’s human rights-violating policies. We mobilise to the maximum for demonstrations. We call on the Belgian government to work towards an immediate ceasefire and Israel’s withdrawal from the illegally occupied territories, to enable massive humanitarian aid for Gaza, to safeguard financial support for UNWRA, to declare national and European economic sanctions against Israel, to suspend the EU association agreement with Israel, to stop importing products from the occupied territories, to have war criminals tried before the International Criminal Court and to recognise the Palestinian State.
We ask the Flemish minister of culture to support the cultural sector in this position and to defend it at the international forum if it is sanctioned (cancelled) because of this position.
AB – BrusselĀ Bijlokesite – Gent Bronks – BrusselĀ BUDA – Kortrijk CAMPO – Gent De Singel – Antwerpen De Studio – AntwerpenĀ Ha Concerts – GentĀ hetpaleis – Antwerpen Kaap – Brugge & Oostende KASK & Conservatorium – GentĀ KVS – Brussel Musica – PeltĀ Muziekcentrum De Bijloke – Gent Nona – Mechelen NTGent Ontroerend Goed – Gent STUK – Leuven Toneelhuis – Antwerpen VIERNULVIER – Gent
We thank Herman Baeten [left] for his inexhaustible commitment as founder (1978), director (until 2014) and chairman (until 2025) of Musica. Now we welcome Stef Coninx to that chairman’s role. Stef has already had an extensive and multifaceted career in the music sector. For instance, he was director of Muziekcentrum Vlaanderen and was responsible for international relations and classical music at Kunstenpunt. In addition to his current role as chairman, Stef is also actively involved at Alamire Foundation.
Call for young composers! Apply now for SoundMine 2025, an intensive course dedicated to music creation across various genres.
Over the course of five days, you will receive expert guidance from a dedicated team, including Saskia Venegas, Diederik Glorieux, Jorrit Tamminga (electronics), and Hannes Vanlancker (engraving), as you develop and present your own composition.
This internationally oriented program offers a unique opportunity to connect with talented professionals from around the world, broadening your creative perspective in an inspiring global setting.
This yearās edition focuses on choral composition (in collaboration with the Flemish Radio Choir), immersing participants in the world of mixed and electronic music.
SoundMine goes beyond a traditional composition course by offering unique collaborations. A selection of participants will have the extraordinary opportunity to have their work performed by the Flemish Radio Choir (VRK).
When Saturday, July 5 ā Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Where Landcommanderij Alden Biesen, Kasteelstraat 6, Bilzen
Who can apply? Young composers aged 15 to 35 with a musical background and a passion for composition.
Cost ā¬480 (includes meals and accommodation in a shared twin room)
Selection process This course is aimed at young professionals from around the world. Selection is based on motivation, portfolio, and potential.
Application – Due to logistics the deadline has been extended untill 15/06/25 Donāt miss this opportunity. Apply before May 1, 2025! Spots are limited.
SoundMine is a concept and production by Musica Impulse Centre in collaboration with the Flemish Radio Choir (VRK), HERMESensemble and Centre Henri Pousseur. With the support of Flanders. In memory of Wim Henderickx, the visionary behind SoundMine.
Kidsrave is a unique mini-disco designed for children aged 3 to 10. This innovative concept was created by Nikolas Lestaeghe and Casimir Franken. The club revolves around Belgian eurodance, gabber, and techno, with beats and smoke machines setting the scene. Unlike a traditional children’s disco, parents are kept out. This is a space where kids can dance freely and experiment with music and movement without any restrictions.
In the week of February 24, Nikolas and Casimir took up residency at Musica to develop the unique mini-disco for young children. On Thursday, February 27, and Saturday, March 1, they opened the doors for a few try-outs aimed at local schools and families.
Inside, DJ sets, actors, and interactive elements ensured that each age group could express themselves in their own way. The experience sparked their imagination and gave them a sense of independence and self-expression. After their first rave, the young partygoers left the club with a fresh perspective on freedom.
Collaboration between Musica Impulscentrum, Zonzo Compagnie, Bronks & C-takt. Many thanks to Het Bos.
We are expanding our Musica team with two talented new colleagues!
Graciano Dos Santos is an energetic and versatile artist. As the founder of Kleurrijk Entertainment, he connects diverse talent with various organizations. With extensive experience as a youth worker at Habbekrats VZW, a motivational speaker, and a performer, Graciano brings fresh energy and creativity to his role as an artistic collaborator at Musica.
Giulia Vismara, joins us as an experienced sound art expert and electroacoustic composer. She has an impressive background in music, sound, and artistic production, having worked with renowned institutions such as Q-O2, Overtoon, iMAL, and the Luigi Nono Foundation. Giulia is also a lecturer and researcher at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels and the Conservatory of Mons. Her expertise in sound art and interdisciplinary research will be a valuable addition to our work.
With Graciano and Giulia on board, we look forward to shaping the future of Musica together!
Starting in February, we are excited to welcome Nathalie De Boelpaep as our new Managing Director. Nathalie brings a wealth of experience from the cultural and social sectors. She has previously served as Director of Social Entrepreneurship at Femma, Director of Zinnema, Business Director of NTGent, and Cabinet Secretary for Petra De Sutter. Additionally, she has made her mark as a production manager at Muziektheater Transparant and our sister organization, Zonzo Compagnie.
We look forward to working with Nathalie and shaping the future of Musica together!
Are you a passionate singer who dreams of an enchanting dive into the world of polyphony? Then the Summerschool is your chance to be part of a unique musical adventure! This course for advanced amateurs and young-professional singers takes place in Antwerp from 25 till 31 August during the festival Laus Polyphoniae.
Cantate Domino Canticum Novum
Throughout history, artists have proudly declared the invention of a ānewā art. From the groundbreaking notational innovations of Medieval music to the elegant designs of Art Nouveau, that which is new has always been exciting. In 2025, inspired by the festival Laus Polyphoniae theme of Ars Antica/Nova/Subtilior, Cappella Pratensisā annual Summerschool invites you to explore the rich background of cultural exchange that sparked some of the most exciting innovations in Medieval and Renaissance music. As musicians travelled far and wide – serving as diplomats, messengers, and even spies – new musica ideas spread like wildfire!
This yearās program features works by composers such as Guillaume de Machaut, John Dunstable, Guillaume Du Fay, and Adrian Willaert, offering a wide variety of music from this fascinating era. Led by members of the Gramophone Award-winning ensemble Cappella Pratensis, participants should expect to immerse themselves in the theory and practices of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Highlights include historical solfĆØge, the Guidonian Hand, techniques of improvisation and composition, and singing directly from original notation. The week-long course concludes with an unforgettable performance as part of the festival programme, alongside members of Cappella Pratensis.
During a week of intense sessions led by internationally renowned experts from Cappella Pratensis, you will immerse yourself in Gregorian chant and polyphony, working directly from facsimiles of the original manuscripts and printed editions. The week includes intensive sessions on the art of mensural notation
For whom
Advanced amateurs and young-professional singers, looking for deepening and artistic growth.
Cost
300 euros, including a selection of concert tickets for Laus Polyphoniae. Accommodation is available in every price category, including an excellent youth hostel nearby and a wide variety of hotels.
When
Summerschool: from Monday 25 to Sunday 31 August
Concert at AMUZ: Sunday 31 August 2025 at 11 am
Where
Antwerp: Musica School Stedelijk Basisonderwijs (Lange Ridderstraat 48) and AMUZ (Kammenstraat 81).
Registration
Grab this opportunity and register before 31 March 2025. Be quick as the number of places is limited. The selection will be announced mid April 2025.
Are you part of a dynamic ensemble with a passion for historical performance practice? Then seize this opportunity to prove yourself in front of a global audience and professionals from the early music scene at the International Young Artist’s Presentation (IYAP) 2025!
Under the expert guidance of top international artists, embark on an intensive three-day coaching journey. Develop not only your musical skills, but also learn to master the art of captivating presentations. Take the spotlight at AMUZ during the prestigious festival Laus Polyphoniae in Antwerp. Share your story, engage the audience, and leave a lasting impression on an esteemed panel of international early music professionals. Receive valuable feedback and practical advice from industry experts. The committee consisting of concert organisers, programmers and curators is ready to elevate your ensemble to new heights.
For whom
Young vocal and/or instrumental musicians and ensembles with a maximum average age of 35. If you focus on playing historical instruments or using historical sources (up to 1920), then this is your stage!
Coaches
Raquel Andueza en Peter Van Heyghen
Cost
No application fee is required, travel and accommodation costs are covered by the ensembles, overnight stays can be arranged by the organisation (host families).
Dates
Deadline for Dossier: 1 March 2025
Selection: early April 2025
Opening reception with the host families and first short performance of the selected ensembles: Tuesday 19 August 2025 (18:30-21:00)
Coaching: Wednesday 20-Friday 22 August 2025 (09:00-18:00)
Final presentation concerts at AMUZ and reception Feedback Committee: 23 August 2025 (10:00-18:00)
Where
@AMUZ, Antwerpen
Selection
Please complete the application form in English with a detailed concert programme, the concept of the presentation, a letter of recommendation, a curriculum vitae, and a representative live performance video.
Are you ready for an unforgettable art experience? From 18 to 20 October, sound, art and nature melt together at the OORtreders Festival 2024. This year’s theme is reconnecting through sound: reconnecting with yourself, nature, and the people around you. Be enchanted by groundbreaking performances and sound installations that will touch you deeply. Access to the expo is free, and with advantageous day passes you can enjoy all the beauty the festival has to offer all weekend long.
Check out some of the special performances below and make sure you are there. Book your tickets now and experience this unique festival!
On Friday, get carried away by a special live performance by Stijn Demeulenaere and The Third Guy in Het Klankenbos. After days of intensive listening and recording, they bring the sounds of nature to life in a compelling soundscape. Immerse yourself in the wondrous sounds of the forest and experience how music and nature come together.
During the OORtreders Festival, the Sounds Now Symposium will take place on 19 and 20 October. This international network is committed to diversity and inclusion within contemporary music and sound art. Be inspired by engaging keynotes, panel discussions and listening sessions, and discover new perspectives on the role of sound in our society. More info and registration via sounds-now.eu.
Saturday at 2:00 pm in CC Palethe, Grensgeval and Circus Katoen will tickle your fancy with a playful circus performance full of imperfection. In a world of white balls, young and old learn that failure can also be magical. A visual experience full of acrobatics, humour and wonder for everyone aged 4 and up. Be surprised by this festive journey of the senses!
Sunday at 11:00 am, the KANL Showroom transforms into a vibrating world of sound. Discover the hidden sounds of everyday objects together with Wannes Deneer and Yinka Kuitenbrouwer. This playful performance transforms the smallest vibrations into a musical spectacle. After the show, you can experiment yourself during an interactive workshop. A unique experience for the whole family!
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in art and sound that will surprise and move you. Book your tickets today and be there!
STUK, Q-O2, C-TAKT and Musica present an annual showcase of emerging sound artists in Belgium. The showcase shines a light on the diversity of the Belgian sound art landscape, and gives a boost to an upcoming generation of makers. We are looking for recent, existing sound work in any format: performance, installation, soundwalk, radio piece, intervention or other innovative formats. The selected works will be presented in STUK on November 20, 2025. Please read the detailed conditions specified below.
For whom
You are an emerging sound artist. In other words: in training, recently graduated, at the start of a career or still in need of developing a network within the Belgian or international sound art field.
You make sound-based work such as installation, performance, soundwalk, participatory work, radio art or intervention in public space.
You are asked to propose only one existing work or work-in-progress that is not older than 2022. Submissions with more than one work will not be considered.
You have a link to Belgium: either by residence, education or nationality.
What do we offer
Presentation of the selected work or work-in-progress during the Showcase Emerging Sound 2025 at STUK in Leuven on November 20, 2025.
Exchange session at Q-O2 to discuss your work with the organizers and other participants.
An optional preparatory residency with overnight stay and technical support at C-TAKT & Musica in Pelt (Klankenbos).Ā
Visibility and support in terms of communication and documentation towards Belgian and international programmers and the broader professional sector.
Compensation for the presentation of the selected work: ā¬500
The selection does not take the age, gender, ethnicity, religion, cultural background, ability or education into consideration. Selected artists will be informed by mid-November 2024 at the latest.
Previous editions
Edition 2024: Anouk Kellner, Kaat Vanhaverbeke, Pavel Tchikov, Lawrence McGuire & Amarante Net
Artists explore sound environments in interactive performance
It’s almost time! In October, Musica, in collaboration with C-TAKT, presents the newest edition of OORtreders Festival. This year, the festival brings, among other things, a special collaboration between sound artist Stijn Demeulenaere and the dynamic duo The Third Guy (percussionist Ruben Orio and guitarist Primož SukiÄ), who will present an updated version of their performance Everybody Lives Here.
In Everybody Lives Here, the artists explore the sonic essence of spaces and places by adding their own sounds to them. Using field recordings and live musical instruments, they allow their sounds to interact with the natural sound environment of the location. This real-time interaction results in a layering of sounds that in turn interact with each other, creating a unique listening experience.
A crucial part of the preparation for this special performance was the short residency at Het Klankenbos in early April. Listening, recording, playing: during these five days, Demeulenaere and The Third Guy explored how to realise a connection with the vastness of the domain. The result of their research will be heard on Friday 18 October 2024, in the ever-changing setting of Het Klankenbos.
Don’t miss this unique event! OORtreders will take place from 18 to 20 October 2024. Be there and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of sound art and interaction.
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