OpMaatorkest is a unique collaboration between the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra and five primary schools in Antwerp. Over two years, students receive weekly music lessons during school hours from experienced music instructors. They explore the basics of rhythm, singing, and learn to play an instrument. Additionally, they discover the joy of playing and creating music together. Through the opMaatorkest, the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra aims to provide every child with the opportunity to develop musically in a relaxed manner. At the end of the school year, all orchestra members gather on the stage of the Queen Elisabeth Hall for a spectacular finale concert. It is consistently a heartwarming moment for all attendees!

opMaatorkest in concert

Queen Elisabeth Hall

Today, Adam Tendler performs two seminal minimalist masterpieces for solo piano, John Adams’s epic Phrygian Gates (1977-78) at 2pm, and Tom Johnson’s haunting An Hour for Piano (1971) at 4pm. Both works challenged conventions of long-form piano writing, and each uniquely invites the listener on an odyssey of pattern and harmony that is at times sensuous, dramatic, playful, ecstatic, patient — and ultimately transcendent. For these performances, the audience will be invited to freely explore the new Bargemusic space. This program is in memory of the recent passing of Tom Johnson, a personal friend of the pianist.

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Adam Tendler plays minimalist masterpieces

Bargemusic

Since September 2012, opMaatorkest has offered children in Antwerp’s primary schools an introduction to classical music, the opportunity to learn to play an instrument together, and develop their talent for one hour a week. opMaatorkest is part of the primary school curriculum over a two-year period. At the end of the school year, the future orchestra members gather on the stage of the Queen Elisabeth Hall for an amazing closing concert.

opMaatorkest in concert 2024

Join us for an enchanting evening of music at the Jeanne Vail Chapel, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston, on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at 8:00pm CDT. This special recital features Lucas Zurbuchen, a talented double bass player and Bachelor of Music student under the guidance of Andrew Raciti. The evening promises a diverse program that includes J.S. Bach's Suite No. 5 in A Minor, BWV 1011, Giovanni Bottesini's Concerto No. 2 in B Minor for Double Bass, W.A. Mozart's Per questa bella mano, K. 612, John Clayton's Trio, and Tom Johnson's Failing.

Lucas will be joined by V. Matthew Steinbaum, baritone, Nathan Canfield, piano, and fellow double bassists Sophie Denhard and Luisa Brown-Hernandez, creating a rich tapestry of sounds and styles. This event is free and open to the public, offering a wonderful opportunity to experience the depth and versatility of the double bass within the beautiful acoustics of the Jeanne Vail Chapel. No tickets are required for this event, so be sure to mark your calendar for a memorable night of music and talent.

Lucas Zurbuchen, double b

Jeanne Vail Chapel

The opMaatorkest is a unique partnership between the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra and Antwerp primary schools. Over two years, children explore rhythm, singing, and playing an instrument under the guidance of experienced music teachers, nurturing their musical talent. This year, the Peter Benoit Fund launched a composition competition for a children’s cantata based on De toekoeroekoetoekomst, a text by Maud Vanhauwaert. The project culminates in a dazzling final concert at the Queen Elisabeth Hall, where these young musicians take the stage. Fun, inspiring, and unforgettable – an experience for all to cherish.

Tom Johnson

Events

Upcoming events

Jun 2, 2026

opMaatorkest in concert · Antwerp Symphony Orchestra

Past events

Jun 3, 2025

opMaatorkest in concert · Antwerp Symphony Orchestra

Apr 12, 2025

Adam Tendler plays minimalist masterpieces · Bargemusic

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