Minimini Club 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. Minimini Club 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.
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!
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.
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.
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).
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: €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 Sukič), 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.
The latest hEAR DROPS video Singing the Game focuses on the voice. Throughout the day we often make quite a lot of expressive sounds as we support many of our activities with our voice. For example, to imitate other sounds, to illustrate a movement, to express joy, surprise, disappointment or during a special effort. These sounds often lead to spontaneous good use of the voice, even in those who would otherwise not be inclined to sing. You can use these expressive sounds as a trigger to get from there to real singing. For example, imitating each other’s voices can be a good exercise to warm up and even to get over your fear of singing together.
hEAR DROPS is known for each episode containing an ‘artlink’ to a work or artist. This particular episode highlights Mosquito Massacre from Bugs Opus 93 by Paul Patterson (2003).
The colour scheme of this episode was inspired by Flemish painter Gustave Van de Woestyne’s painting Deeske (1902).
This episode is the result of a collaboration between Musica and Stavanger University in the context of the Erasmus+ project SenseSquared, co-funded by the European Union. www.SenseSquared.eu
Het Klankenbos is all about enriching sensory experiences, where sound art plays the leading role. Ensuring your visit is all the more fascinating, we proudly present our Klankenbos tour in the ErfgoedApp – your digital companion, that guides you through a wealth of information about our sound installations.
Download here
Optimise your visit by downloading the ErfgoedApp in advance. Available on both iOS and Android, this application brings Het Klankenbos to life with rich and accessible information.
Make your choice
Once you have downloaded the app, open it and click on the red compass symbol to get started. You will be welcomed with a selection of engaging tours – choose Het Klankenbos and start your journey of discovery.
Discover
Now you are ready to explore! Consult the interactive map in the app and be guided through Het Klankenbos. Along the way, you will receive fascinating details that will help you understand and appreciate our sound installations.
A unique participation project for amateur horn players
Discover Across the Distance
Are you a passionate horn player? Musica Impulse Centre invites you to take part in the participative project Across the Distance as part of OORtreders Festival from 18 to 20 October 2024.
This project, inspired by the visionary composition of American master John Luther Adams, is steeped in the search for authenticity and connection. Adams’ masterpiece Across the Distance for eight horns, invites participants to merge with nature and space, while conveying a powerful message of unity.
Between 24 and 32 passionate horn players will rehearse this impressive composition under the expert guidance of the Korpus Quartet. The climax of our adventure? Its performance during OORtreders Festival on Saturday 19 October 2024 at 6 pm, amidst Het Klankenbos in Pelt.
For whom
24 to 32 (amateur) horn players (students from the third grade, horn players active in harmonies or brass bands, conservatory students and even professionals are welcome! In short all or those who have the passion and determination to participate in this unique project.
When
13 October 2024: rehearsal from 2 to 4 pm
19 October 2024: rehearsal from 1 pm + performance at 6 pm
Where
Het Klankenbos, Pelt
Register
Would you like to participate? Register now via our registration form.
Besides the indescribable experience of being part of this extraordinary project, participants will also receive free tickets to a number of OORtreders Festival performances.
Wouter Van Looy becomes new general and artistic director Musica Impulse Centre
We are pleased to welcome Wouter Van Looy as the new general and artistic director of Musica Impulse Centre. He will combine this position with his role as artistic director at Zonzo Compagnie and his career as a director. It is a familiar return for Wouter, who in the past was artistic coordinator at Mallemuze, a former sub-organisation of Musica.
Wouter is an active player in the international opera and music theatre world, as well as director in residence at Muziektheater Transparant. He has created work for young audiences as founder and artistic director of Zonzo Compagnie and the BIG BANG Festival, an innovative music festival for this target group.
We are confident that Wouter will give the operations of Musica the necessary innovative impulses and further develop Musica into a leading organisation within the (inter)national music landscape.
The Musica team looks forward to a successful cooperation with Wouter and appreciates the commitment from you, our loyal partners.
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