From June 1, 2026, a new leadership duo will take the helm of Brussels Philharmonic vzw. Steven Cosyns becomes General Director, Masa Spaan becomes Artistic Director. Together they take over from Intendant Gunther Broucke, who led the organization for more than twenty-five years. The governing body, chaired by Luc Delrue, deliberately chose to split the role of Intendant into two complementary positions.
Twenty-Five Years of Gunther Broucke
Gunther Broucke came on board in 1998, when the orchestra and choir became independent 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 charted an unconventional and ambitious course. He was the first to recognize the potential of film music and brought prestigious Hollywood soundtracks to the organization, relocated the musicians in 2005 back to their home at Flagey, and built an extensive network of international partners. Thanks to his eye for innovative projects, the organization established itself as a pioneer in various areas. While developing the orchestra, Broucke simultaneously renewed and raised the quality standards of the Flemish Radio Choir, recruiting conductors who fulfilled these ambitions—both for the choir and the orchestra. As the cherry on top, he established the Brussels Young Philharmonic, an orchestra that guides young musicians aged 15 to 25 toward a future in professional orchestral life.
"I'm leaving behind three thriving ensembles, brimming with ambition and ready for the next chapter," says Broucke. "I'm particularly pleased that the governing body chose to split the Intendant role: by appointing two strong and complementary figures, the continued development of the future is assured. I have complete confidence in Masa and Steven, and look forward to following the continued growth of the ensembles under their leadership."
In 2016, at the celebration of 10 Years of Klassiek Centraal, Gunther Broucke received the Golden Label for 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 a broad international network. She studied violin at the Amsterdam Conservatory, followed by Musicology and Philosophy of Art and Culture at the University of Amsterdam, and earned a Master's in Music Programming from ArtEZ, where she specialized in the renewal of concert practice. As an independent programmer, she developed interdisciplinary programs commissioned by 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 Flemish Radio Choir do is unique," Spaan says. "I've been following these ensembles from de Doelen for some time. When I was asked to become Artistic Director and went through the selection process, I only became more eager to work with these ensembles. My drive lies in meaningful renewal of concert practice. With the DNA of these organizations, the determination of this team, and Steven's arrival, I can make a real contribution to that."
Steven Cosyns, General Director
Steven Cosyns brings broad experience at the intersection of strategy, business leadership, and creativity. A commercial engineer educated at Solvay Business School, he gained experience at Unilever and Coca-Cola. He later held senior positions at, among others, DDB Brussels, DPG Media, and BBDO Belgium. Subsequently, he co-founded egghunter, a strategic-creative agency where strategy, creativity, and entrepreneurship converge. 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 creators.
"I've followed the orchestra and choir for many years, and have always been fascinated by the unique and ambitious direction pursued here," says Cosyns. "That I can now help guide that direction together with Masa, the team, the musicians, and the singers is truly special. I feel honored and humbled to help shape the next chapter of this organization with so much potential."
