music connects. music heals. music strengthens.

Despite this, care home residents rarely have the opportunity to attend concerts. That is why Klarafestival is bringing music to those who are unable to travel to a concert hall. We deliberately select young musicians and emerging musical talent for this initiative. In doing so, we offer them a platform, and enable them to experience the unifying power of music beyond the traditional concert venues. 

Since this project began in 2021, we have visited some thirty care homes in Brussels. During the first edition, we brought the young musicians of I SOLISTI Young Stars to the inner courtyards of several residential care centres. In 2022, we invited the Young Belgian Strings for a concert series in day centres for mental healthcare or for individuals with mental or physical disabilities. 

For the third edition, we adopted a different approach: we involved the young composer Michiel De Naegel in the project. He spent a week in residence at the Eureka care home, weaving his experiences and conversations with residents into a composition. This piece was performed by the reed players of the Woodwork Quintet. Furthermore, thanks to a collaboration with the intergenerational platform Labolobo, and students from Danscentrum Jette, the residents also enjoyed a dance performance.

A year later, composer and accordionist Sara Salvérius’s residency at the Clos-Bizet care home resulted in eight short compositions, which she performed alongside clarinettist Jean-Philippe Poncin in various Brussels care homes. Their Stories Without Words project has since toured across Flanders, and has now been released on CD. With this album, they won the audience award at the Belgian Worldwide Music Awards in 2026.

In 2025, it was the turn of composer Liesbeth Decrock. For a week, she immersed herself in the daily life of the De Overbron care home, experiencing first-hand what it means to make a new home in a place that is not entirely your own. She translated these impressions into a heartfelt composition for the saxophonists of the Effel Quartet.

For autumn 2026, we are inviting composer and guitarist Haroun Iqbal for a residency at the Mettewie care home. There, he will create new work for a trio featuring trumpeter Jon Birdsong and double bassist Yannick Peeters. The result will be showcased during a tour of various care homes, and at Klarafestival 2027.

With the support of Nationale Loterij, meer dan spelen and Sabam for Culture.