Professional musicians bring handcrafted creations to life at Antwerp's Parkhuis
On Friday evening, June 19, the historic Parkhuis in Antwerp welcomed musicians, craftspeople, and the public for the annual studio concert of the International Lutherie School Antwerp (ILSA). Professional musicians brought to life the instruments that students had built entirely by hand throughout the school year — the culmination of months of precision work.
A school with European reach
ILSA is regarded as the only lutherie program in the Benelux region within secondary education and attracts students from across Europe and beyond. This school year, the school welcomed 48 students, an increase of 10 compared to last year, who specialize in violin making and guitar making, among other disciplines. The teaching staff also grew: four new instructors have joined the team since the start of this school year. Several alumni have meanwhile built solid reputations and work for an international audience.
"ILSA confirms once again this year her strong growth and international appeal," says deputy Luk Lemmens. "With 48 students, more than last school year, and a reinforced teaching team, this program shows how provincial education can be specialized, artisanal, and forward-thinking all at once. Students from home and abroad find here the knowledge and guidance to carry on exceptional craftsmanship."
Craft in dialogue with music
The formula of the studio concert is as simple as it is powerful: professional musicians perform on instruments that students themselves have made. It's a rare moment when lutherie and music meet directly, and where the audience can judge the quality of the work with their own ears.
"Building an instrument takes time, precision, and a love for the material. But only when it's played does that work truly come to life," concludes Luk Lemmens. "That makes this studio concert so special. You don't just hear music, you hear months of patience, concentration, and talent. As a province, we can be proud that ILSA gives young makers such a strong foundation for an international future."
Education coordinator Johan Hertogs opened the concert with a look back and a look ahead: "Today we see the finest reward of the school year. For students and teachers, this is the cherry on top after months of hard work. ILSA looks back on a strong year, and forward to a future where craft and innovation continue to go hand in hand."
An inspiring home base
The Parkhuis, the stately building in which ILSA is housed amid greenery, contributes to the school's distinctive character. The environment invites concentration, creativity, and growth — a fitting backdrop for a program that puts craftsmanship at its center. The 2026 studio concert once again confirmed the strong position ILSA holds within the European lutherie landscape.
PRACTICAL INFO
ILSA, the International Lutherie School Antwerp, offers a full-time training program in musical instrument making that is unique in the Benelux and attracts students from all over the world. With personal guidance from a knowledgeable teaching team, ILSA ensures comprehensive training that prepares students for an international career in the construction and restoration of string and plucked instruments.
