News

New colleagues

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!

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New managing director Musica Impulscentre

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!

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SoundMine 

SoundMine 2025

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 year’s 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 – 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
€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
Don’t 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.

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Summerschool 

Summerschool Cappella Pratensis 2025

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 “new” 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 Pratensis’ 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 year’s 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 solfège, 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.

Summerschool is an initiative of Musica Impulse Centre, Cappella Pratensis and AMUZ, Festival van Vlaanderen – Antwerpen.

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International Young Artist's Presentation 

International Young Artist’s Presentation 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.

Registration

Enroll before 1st March 2025 via this online form

IYAP is a collaboration between Musica Impulse Centre and AMUZ (Festival of Flanders Antwerp).

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OORtreders Festival 

OORtreders Festival 2024

A weekend of groundbreaking sound and art!

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!

Everybody Lives Here

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.

Sounds Now Symposium

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.

Come and watch iRRooTTaa (4+)

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!

RrrRrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr in KANL

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!

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