Belgian conductor Martijn Dendievel will start as the chief conductor of the Flanders Symphony Orchestra with concerts from January 17 to 25, 2026. This new role is an important step in his career, as he moves from earlier positions in the orchestra to its main leadership role. His first program, called “Martijn’s Dream,” includes a mix of classical and modern music, showing both his artistic style and the orchestra’s interest in combining old and new works.
The concert opens with Luc Brewaeys’ Symphony No. 3, “Hommage,” performed in collaboration with the SPECTRA ensemble. Composed in 1991, this piece serves as a tribute to Aaron Copland and exemplifies Brewaeys’ distinctive orchestral style. The symphony is divided into two parts: the first, a lively section inspired by the structure of Copland’s Short Symphony, and the second, a slow movement that stands as Brewaeys’ homage to the American composer. This performance is part of the “Fasten Seat Belts! Celebrating Luc Brewaeys 2025-2026” series, highlighting the orchestra’s dedication to contemporary Flemish composers.
Following Brewaeys’ symphony, violinist Liya Petrova joins the orchestra for Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor, a staple of the violin repertoire known for its lyrical melodies and technical demands. The program concludes with Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1, “Winter Dreams,” a work that captures the composer’s early symphonic voice and evokes the imagery of the Russian winter landscape. This selection not only showcases Dendievel’s versatility but also underscores the orchestra’s commitment to presenting a repertoire that bridges traditional and modern compositions, appealing to a broad audience.
Dendievel’s association with the Flanders Symphony Orchestra is longstanding. Born in Ostend in 1995, he began his musical journey with the orchestra as a young audience member, later serving as assistant conductor from 2018 and associate conductor from 2022. His appointment as chief conductor is notable within the international classical music community, as it is uncommon for an orchestra to promote from within its ranks to such a position. Dendievel’s previous accolades include winning the German Conducting Award in 2021 and engagements with various European orchestras, underscoring his growing prominence in the field.
The “Martijn’s Dream” concerts are scheduled across multiple venues, including Muziekcentrum De Bijloke in Ghent, La Seine Musicale in Paris, Concertgebouw Brugge, CC Hasselt, and De Singel in Antwerp. This series not only celebrates Dendievel’s new role but also highlights the orchestra’s dedication to presenting a repertoire that bridges traditional and modern compositions, appealing to a broad audience.
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