Concertgebouw Brugge to wave goodbye to its artistic director Jeroen Vanacker

Our artistic director Jeroen Vanacker will be leaving the Concertgebouw this summer. He as worked here for 21 years, 16 of which as artistic director. In August, he will start a new challenge as 'Head of Music, Strategy and Programming' at Bozar. Together with the team and board of Concertgebouw Brugge, we look back with pride on the fascinating journey we made together with Jeroen. Soon we will start the search for a new artistic director to further realise the Concertgebouw's ambitious plans as a Flemish Arts Institution.

Today, the Concertgebouw is on the map as a creative and qualitative house of culture. After Lieven Bertels (2001-2004) and Bart Demuyt (2004-2007), Jeroen Vanacker took over as artistic director under general director Katrien Van Eeckhoutte in 2008. As the new artistic director, he immediately chose a more contemporary focus and built up a strong thematic and conceptual operation, with festivals, an annual seasonal theme and many context activities. A lot of attention was paid to out-of-the-box projects, which offer the visitor an extra experience, and for more than ten years now, an extensive educational and participatory component has been successfully developed. This resulted in a clear and unique artistic profile for the Concertgebouw.

Supported by a sound financial policy and a talented team, the Concertgebouw's programme appeals to a loyal and enthusiastic audience from the wider Bruges region, from Flanders and abroad. With an eye for quality and collaboration, the Concertgebouw, as a Flemish Arts Institution, offers an international quality offering that complements many other players.

With its strong team and many partners, Concertgebouw Brugge will continue in the coming years with the same momentum as a valued player in the region and beacon in and for Flanders. Preparations are currently being finalised for the launch of the new 2024-2025 season, for which ticket sales will start in May. 2024 also promises to be a top year for the Concertgebouw as a 'Flanders Heritage Venue': with many planned congresses and corporate events, the cultural house not only generates its own high income but also boosts business tourism in Bruges and Flanders. In the coming months, rough future plans will also be made for the 2025-2026 season.