After a one-year break, the SUPERNOVA made a spectacular comeback last night. Once again, ten organization who specialize in classical music, went looking for the most promising chamber music ensembles in Belgium. Out of 8 finalists, the jury awarded the Firgun Ensemble as one of the two winners. The Ryelandt Trio won the audience prize. Both ensembles consist of alumni from the Royal Conservatoire Antwerp.
The SUPERNOVA jury claimed that diversity was an important reason for them to crown the Firgun Ensemble as one of the winners. The Firgun Ensemble consists of Emile Souvagie (clarinet), Ludovic Bataillie (violin), Ciska Vandelanotte (violin), Jasmien Van Hauthem (viola) and Karin Broeckhove Ibarra (cello). They specialize in repertoire written for clarinet and string quartet. The ensemble was formed in the spring of 2017 from students, but mostly from friends of the Royal Conservatoires of Antwerp and Brussels.
Part of their prize is a concert series. Starting on Sunday, 13 March, the ensemble will embark on a tour of Belgium. Their first concert is planned in Bozar (Brussels), as part of the Klara Festival.
The audience awarded the Ryelandt Trio for their terrific performance. Pieter-Jan Verhoyen (piano), Jeroen De Beer (cello) and Pieter-Jan De Smet (cello) started their adventure together in 2019. In the meantime hey have specialized in Belgian music on the one hand and lesser known work on the other. The Ryelandt Trio performed at the Royal Conservatoire Antwerp just a few weeks ago in the concert series 'Young Sound'.
The SUPERNOVA's can be a real launch pad for young, promising artist. By winning this contest, they receive recognition and opportunities to perform. We sincerely wish them all that and much more.
Pic: Ryelandt Trio