From the classroom to the festival stages: the Antwerp Conservatoire will be making its mark all summer long
The Belgian festival summer is brimming with music from current and former students and teachers of the jazz programme at the Royal Conservatoire Antwerp. You’ll come across them everywhere at jazz festivals, pop venues and major summer festivals: as bandleaders, sidemen, composers or accompanists to established artists. A fine illustration of just how closely the programme is linked to the professional music world.
The Gaume Jazz Festival features, amongst others, Barbara Wiernik and the Brussels Jazz Orchestra on the line-up. The latter orchestra includes several Conservatoire teachers in its ranks. Teacher Stéphane Galland is also touring the festivals this summer with his new collaboration with Selah Sue, who can be seen at Gent Jazz, amongst other venues.
That festival, too, offers a showcase of the new generation of Belgian jazz. Bands such as Bodem, KVR, Molrat, Motmot, Slagader and Space Quartet bring students and alumni together on one of the country’s most important jazz stages. During Brussels Jazz Weekend, acts including Steiger, Flat Earth Society and Slagader will be performing.
Moreover, the link with the Conservatoire extends beyond the jazz scene. Alumnus Klaas De Somer is part of Eefje de Visser’s live band, which will be playing at Live Is Live and Pukkelpop, amongst others, this summer. blackwave. will also be touring Belgian festivals, with alumni from the jazz programme on keyboards and bass, appearing at Dranouter and Suikerrock, amongst others.
These names are just a snapshot. Every year, graduates go on to join bands, ensembles and projects that help shape the Belgian and international music scene. Those studying at the Conservatoire today not only learn from experienced teachers, but are also part of a vibrant community of musicians who continue to find each other both on and off the stage.
Wondering where else you can catch them? On our After Graduation page, you’ll find an overview of the bands our alumni have been playing in over the past few years. Use it as inspiration to discover new music this summer and experience Belgian jazz up close.
Photo: Frank Emmers