New intendant of Festival of Flanders Brussels

From 1 April 2026, Jan Van den Borre will be taking over the torch from Joost Fonteyne as Intendant of Festival of Flanders Brussels. 

Since 2022, Jan Van den Borre has been charting an adventurous course as the artistic director of MA Festival, with innovative projects in the realm of early music. Following a career as a flautist with ensembles including Anima Eterna, Vox Luminis and Gli Angeli Genève, Van den Borre worked for Collegium Vocale Gent and Il Gardellino, as artistic co-ordinator and intendant respectively.

His connection with Klarafestival goes back a long way: ‘As a young music lover, I experienced my first live performances with large orchestras there, and I had a student job working behind the scenes. Later I appeared on stage myself, performing with Il Giardino Armonico and Isabelle Faust, among others. These are moments that are seared on my brain. This makes it so special for me to now be helping build on the future of the festival, in the heart of Brussels – a city fizzing with cultural diversity, creativity and international connections. Joost Fonteyne has shaped the festival with vision and dedication over the past few years. What a wonderful challenge to succeed him and, together with the team, to work on the 2027 edition and the 2028-2032 business plan. The collaboration with Klara also makes this process especially exciting: the broadcaster plays a key role in sharing classical music with a wide audience. I am looking forward to working with the editorial team to tell stories about the festival.’

The current intendant, Joost Fonteyne, will stay on until Klarafestival 2026 has concluded. After that, he will pass on his role with confidence: ‘Jan has the right DNA to ensure the future of Klarafestival. With his adventurous spirit, he combines tradition and contemporary creation. I am eager to see the festivals he will create with his dedicated team!'

Chantal Pattyn, Network Manager at Klara:

‘I value Jan’s wide-ranging artistic interests and his determination to forge new alliances with classical music. So I am extremely curious to see how he will take Klarafestival forward from 2027 with some striking new concepts. At Klara, we are eagerly anticipating a close collaboration with Jan, and wish him every success and happiness with this challenging role.’

Jan Raes, Chair of Flanders Festival Brussels International:

‘Together with the staff and friends of Klarafestival, we are delighted to welcome Jan, and we look forward to innovative and urgent programming for Brussels, the capital of Europe.’

portret Jan Van den Borre © Erika Rodin