our story

Klarafestival is the largest broadcast festival for classical music in Belgium. Every year in March, captivating (inter)national soloists and ensembles bring classical, jazz, and contemporary creations to life at various cultural venues in Brussels, including Bozar and Flagey."

The annual theme and festival artist encourage reflection. Classical musicians enter into dialogue with other artistic disciplines and genres. They perform in both concert halls and Brussels neighborhoods, presenting a diverse programme: from early music to the grand romantic repertoire, adventurous contemporary works, and crossovers with non-Western traditions.

Live concerts are at the core, but more than ever the focus is also on innovative formats and community projects. The close collaboration with VRT and radio Klara makes Klarafestival an unparalleled broadcasting festival. Private and cultural partners: the Flemish, Brussels, federal, European and international level; young and old; underprivileged and promising: Klarafestival knows how to combine all forces into one big, connecting, cross-border music festival.

on air

Can’t make it to the live performances? Klara broadcasts most of the concerts live and in full. Additionally, through the European Broadcasting Union, the Klarafestival concerts are accessible across all European countries.

eight classical music festivals in flanders and brussels

Eight festivals with international recognition – spread across Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels, Ghent, Kortrijk, Limburg, Mechelen and Flemish Brabant – form the umbrella organization Festival van Vlaanderen vzw, under the presidency of Philippe Vlerick. Each festival operates with a distinct artistic identity and strong regional ties. Together, the eight organizations bring the full classical repertoire to life, from the Middle Ages to the present, complemented by explorations of non-Western music.

For more than half a century, the Festival of Flanders has been encouraging both young and old to enjoy classical music, organizing over 550 performances and educational projects each year, in at least 80 different towns, cities and municipalities: a significant boost for the arts, tourism and economy, appreciated by visitors from this country and abroad. The organisation also contributes to Flanders’ cultural influence by supporting promising artists and being at the forefront of innovative artistic practices.

festival of flanders brussels

Festival of Flanders International Brussels-Europe (abbreviated: Festival of Flanders Brussels) is one of the eight festival organisations in the Festival of Flanders partnership. Based in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, this organisation also focuses on the international and European context.

Since 2004, Festival of Flanders Brussels has been the organiser of Klarafestival, the largest broadcast festival for classical music in Belgium. In 2021, the festival portfolio was expanded with the addition of Walden Festival, an adventurous summer festival for young and old alike

directors & team

chair of the governing body

Jan Raes

general and artistic director

Jan Van den Borre

governing body

Isabelle Blomme, Wim Bossens, Jan Danckaert, Edouard Derom, Amand-Benoit D'Hondt, Lies Martens, Koen Maerevoet, Willem Van de Voorde, Laura Van Waeyenberge

general assembly members

all directors, Bart Becks, Piet Bevernage, Isabelle Blomme, Wim Bossens, Alex Brabers, Jan Briers, Johan Cattersel, Greet Claes, Amand-Benoit D'Hondt, Jan Danckaert, Philip De Hulsters, Kristine De Mulder, Liesbeth De Ridder, Filiep Deforche, Sophie Detremmerie, Hans D'hondt, Erik Dralans, Kaat Exterbille, Olivier Goris, Jef Jonckheere, Dirk Lybaert, Koen Maerevoet, Ine Mariën, Pieter Marx, Tony Mary, Frank Meysman, Marc Ramault, Sophie Rutten, Patrick Simons, Dirk Sterckx, Werner Van Lembergen, Chris Van Olmen, Willem Van de Voorde, Laura Van Waeyenberge, Arlette Verkruyssen, Michel Vermaerke (ere-voorzitter), Lode Willems

team

Laura De Baetselier De Schrijver, Esther De Soomer, Tuur Van Dosselaer, Morgane Staelens, Lenie Steels, Esse Synnave, Jan Van den Borre, Jannah Van Nevel, Aurélie Walschaert