In 2018, Antwerp Symphony Orchestra introduced the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra Academy as a pioneer in Belgium; a groundbreaking initiative that offers young, talented musicians the opportunity to gain valuable orchestral experience within a professional environment. After five successful years, the orchestra proudly announces a new milestone for the Academy. Vic Swerts, founder of Soudal, has committed himself as the official main sponsor of this talent development program for the coming years. As a token of gratitude for his generous support, the Academy will henceforth be known as the "Baron Swerts Academy".
Baron Swerts Academy
Vic Baron Swerts, a dedicated patron of art and culture, embraces the vision of Antwerp Symphony to maximally support young talent and offer professional development opportunities. He recognizes the crucial importance of this emerging generation as the foundation for the future and enthusiastically contributes to the promotion of the qualitative continuation of both the Academy and the orchestra.
His contribution will be specifically used to cover logistical costs and expand the educational offerings. This enables Academy members to concentrate even more strongly on their internship, allowing them to experience deeper and more focused professional development.
Vic Baron Swerts' generous contribution will thus not only stimulate the individual growth of young talent, but also increase the overall impact and diversity of the Academy, thereby laying a solid foundation for the flourishing future of art and culture.
"As a passionate advocate of art and culture, I absolutely share Antwerp Symphony's vision of supporting young talent as much as possible and providing professional development opportunities. Therefore, I am pleased to contribute to the qualitative continuation of the Academy and the orchestra." - Vic Baron Swerts, main sponsor Baron Swerts Academy
The orchestra academy of the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra
The Baron Swerts Academy was founded in 2018 (then as Antwerp Symphony Orchestra Academy). With the academy, Antwerp Symphony offers conservatory students and recently graduated musicians an intensive orchestral training course within the orchestra for one season.
The Academy members, aspiring orchestral talent from around the world, perform in at least ten orchestral productions by the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra and are guided by permanent orchestra members. Additionally, they receive individual lessons, workshops, masterclasses, and audition training. At the end of the season, these young talents have the ideal preparation for a successful career as an orchestra musician. Twenty-five Academy members have since completed the program and have started careers with symphony orchestras across Europe. Three of them have since taken permanent positions with the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra.
"Nurturing young talent is a mission close to our hearts at Antwerp Symphony Orchestra. We are therefore enormously grateful to Vic Baron Swerts for his generous commitment, which enables us to further develop the Baron Swerts Academy, allowing us to offer young musicians a professional orchestral experience in a challenging and safe learning environment." - Joost Maegerman, Intendant Antwerp Symphony Orchestra
"As an Academy member, but also afterwards, I received enormous opportunities from Antwerp Symphony to play and learn. I therefore look forward to returning to that beautiful Koningin Elisabethzaal every week." - Ciska Vandelanotte, Academy member season 2019-2020 and now permanent member of Antwerp Symphony as tutti second violin