As of June 1, 2026, a new duo will take the helm of Brussels Philharmonic vzw. Steven Cosyns becomes general director, Masa Spaan artistic director. Together they take over from intendant Gunther Broucke, who led the organization for more than twenty-five years. The governing body, with chairman Luc Delrue, deliberately chose to split the function of intendant into two complementary profiles.
Twenty-five years Gunther Broucke
Gunther Broucke came on board in 1998, at the time of the orchestra and choir's independence from public broadcasting. He guided the ensembles through initially turbulent times toward stability, international standing and local relevance that is now taken for granted. From the start, he set an unconventional and ambitious course. He was the first to see the potential of film music and brought prestigious Hollywood soundtracks in-house, returned the musicians to their home at Flagey in 2005, and built an extensive network of international partners. Thanks to his nose for innovative projects, the organization established itself as a pioneer in several areas. In addition to building up the orchestra, Broucke simultaneously ensured a renewal and improvement of quality standards at the Vlaams Radiokoor, for which he attracted conductors, just as for the orchestra, who would realize these ambitions. As a third achievement, there is the founding of the Brussels Young Philharmonic, an orchestra that guides young musicians between 15 and 25 toward later professional orchestral life.
"I leave behind three healthy ensembles, brimming with ambition and ready for the next step," says Broucke. "I am particularly delighted that the governing body chose to split the function of intendant: by appointing two strong and complementary profiles, the further development of the future is assured. I have full confidence in Masa and Steven, and look forward to continuing to follow the further growth of the ensembles under their leadership."
In 2016, at the celebration of 10 Years Klassiek Centraal, Gunter Broucke received the Golden Label Music Management, presented to him by Jo Libeer (former chairman of VOKA, father of pianist Julien Libeer).
Masa Spaan, artistic director
Masa Spaan brings extensive experience in artistic programming, a proven track record in innovative projects and an extensive international network. She studied violin at the Amsterdam Conservatory, followed by Musicology and Art and Cultural Philosophy at the University of Amsterdam, and obtained a Master's in Music Programming at ArtEZ, where she specialized in the renewal of concert practice. As an independent programmer, she developed interdisciplinary programs on behalf of orchestras, choirs, concert halls and festivals. In recent years, she was responsible for the artistic strategy and programming of Concertgebouw de Doelen in Rotterdam.
"What Brussels Philharmonic and the Vlaams Radiokoor do is unique," says Spaan. "I have been following the ensembles from the Doelen for some time. When I was asked to become artistic director and went through the selection process, I only became more excited about working with these ensembles. My drivers lie in meaningful renewal of concert practice. With the DNA of these organizations, the will of this organization and the arrival of Steven, I can make a significant contribution to that."
Steven Cosyns, general director
Steven Cosyns brings broad experience at the intersection of strategy, business management and creativity. As a commercial engineer, graduated from Solvay Business School, he gained experience at Unilever and Coca-Cola. Subsequently, he held management positions at, among others, DDB Brussels, DPG Media and BBDO Belgium. Later, he co-founded egghunter, a strategic-creative agency where strategy, creativity and entrepreneurship come together. Together with Spaan, Cosyns wants to continue building a Brussels Philharmonic that focuses on artistic excellence, social relevance and the development of tomorrow's musicians, singers and makers.
"I have been following the orchestra and choir for many years, and have always been fascinated by the unique and ambitious course being charted here," says Cosyns. "That I can now help shape that direction together with Masa, the team, the musicians and the singers is very special. I feel honored and humble at the same time to be able to contribute to the next chapter of this organization with so much potential."