SOV-Express: orchestra invasion

The musicians of Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen know the primary schools of the Nieuw Gent district of Ghent like the back of their hand. Several times a season they take over an entire school building: music resounds in the classrooms, the corridors, the refectory, the playground, and so on.

The day starts with a musical surprise. Afterwards, the musicians tour the classrooms in groups with their instruments. Children ask lots of questions, learn to play music themselves and get to know the symphonic orchestra. For the final, the whole school gathers in the gym for a dazzling final show. 

i.c.w. Nieuw Gent Vernieuwt, the urban renewal project that builds on quality leisure and talent development in Nieuw Gent.

Preliminary course: the Orchestra Specialist 

Why does the conductor hold a baton? How many types of instruments does the orchestra have? As a listener, what are you allowed - or not allowed - to do during a concert? Maybe you too are stuck with one of those pressing questions.... Fortunately, violinist Stefaan De Rycke knows what to do. In five episodes, he takes on the role of 'the Orchestra Specialist' and introduces you to the wonderful world of the symphonic orchestra.

Watch all the episodes on YouTube (only in Dutch)

Outreach

Music knows no boundaries and Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen takes this quite literally. With the SOV-Express, we go out in groups to bring music to people's living environment, far beyond the walls of the concert hall. Our playing domain for these outreach projects is the residential area of Nieuw Gent. We have already been guests at the children's hospital, the nursary, the primary schools, the open house for young mothers and the social restaurant in the neighbourhood. Our aim? To break down barriers, stimulate curiosity and make classical music accessible to all.