Ensemble Symfonisch Orkest Opera Ballet Vlaanderen

The Symphony Orchestra of Opera Ballet Vlaanderen accompanies the house's opera and ballet productions and distinguishes itself in symphonic concerts and music theatre projects. Since the orchestra's founding in 1989 under Rudolf Werthen, it has been led by principal conductors such as Stefan Soltesz, Marc Minkowski, Massimo Zanetti, Ivan Törzs and Dmitri Jurowski. The orchestra regularly performs abroad (for example in Luxembourg, Paris, Rotterdam and Edinburgh) and has been led by distinguished guest conductors such as Ingo Metzmacher, Eliahu Inbal, Silvio Varviso, Trevor Pinnock and Marie Jacquot. From the 26/27 season onward, the orchestra will be led by the German conductor Stephan Zilias, who succeeds Alejo Pérez as music director of OBV.
In 2021, the orchestra was nominated for 'Best Orchestra' at the International Opera Awards.