The Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs, Foreign Trade and Federal Cultural Institutions, Hadja Lahbib, is pleased to appoint Bob Permentier as Intendant of the Belgian National Orchestra. He takes office on 1 May 2024 for a term of six years.
Bob Permentier (°1971) can look back on a long career as a bassoonist with the Belgian National Orchestra, of which he has been a member since 1994. He also distinguishes himself through his personal commitment: he has been active for 13 years in the culture and events sector as artistic director of B-Classic, the Limburgian branch of the Festival van Vlaanderen, which annually brings together musicians of national and international renown. His experience with this eighty-member orchestra and his knowledge of the Belgian cultural world - both organizationally and relationally - align seamlessly with the orchestra's mission: to promote the symphonic repertoire in an innovative way, while taking a central place in the heart of contemporary society.
Bob Permentier has a unifying vision: by building bridges between symphonic music and the Belgian social fabric, he hopes to create even more collaborations and broaden the audience. It is his ambition to find a balance between tradition and innovation, whereby the artistic excellence required by the symphonic repertoire goes hand in hand with formats that transcend audiovisual genres. In this way, engaging experiences will be created that appeal to a diverse, passionate, curious and multigenerational audience. For this, Bob Permentier counts on close partnerships with major players in the cultural world in Brussels, Belgium and at the international level. In particular with BOZAR, a privileged partner where the orchestra is permanently based.
Bob Permentier, a resident of Brussels, expresses this himself as follows: "The classical symphonic repertoire and its rich tradition deserve a beautiful future. At the same time, we must dare to explore new artistic paths and create meaningful dialogue between the orchestra and the community, where music plays an important connecting role. Tradition and innovation come together here in a rich musical experience that reflects our community.
In synergy with BOZAR, the Belgian National Orchestra aspires to a musical future that resonates both locally and globally. The current transformation of BOZAR into an interdisciplinary arts center, combined with the ambitious objectives of the Belgian National Orchestra, offers a unique opportunity to modernize the musical offering together while maintaining the highest possible quality. This integrated approach opens the door to valuable collaboration, in which we must be an important partner. I am convinced that the Belgian National Orchestra, established in the capital of Belgium and Europe, can play a pioneering and inspiring role in the transition of symphony orchestras worldwide. Our music is the language with which we make contact, build bridges between cultures and create harmonious dialogue. I am enthusiastic and honored to be able to contribute to this."
Gust Vriens, Chairman of the Board: "We are pleased to be able to rely on Bob Permentier, with his years of experience in the ranks of our fine orchestra, to guide it in a strategic, concrete and relevant way. His appointment is the culmination of a four-month process in which the profiles of all candidates were thoroughly evaluated. Bob meets all the criteria his position requires and his vision is perfectly aligned with the objectives of the Belgian National Orchestra. He demonstrates all the leadership, artistic and human skills needed to take on his leadership brilliantly. Together with our chief conductor Antony Hermus, we are confident that Bob will inspire and lead the orchestra with great passion."