Flanders Symphony Orchestra (FSO) is one of Belgium’s leading orchestras. Composed of highly committed and passionate musicians, and led by renowned conductors, Flanders Symphony Orchestra both commissions and performs new compositions as well as electrifying renditions of the main symphonic repertoire from the classical period onwards.
Flanders Symphony Orchestra fulfills an exemplary role in creating opportunities for young and talented musicians, composers, soloists and conductors. In addition, the orchestra makes music from both past and present accessible to as wide and diverse an audience as possible in Flanders and beyond.
The orchestra was founded in 1960 by Dirk Varendonck, also the orchestra’s first conductor. From 1986 onwards the orchestra was conducted by Patrick Peire, Robert Groslot and Fabrice Bollon. The orchestra went through a reformation in the mid-1990s. Principal conductors have included David Angus, Etienne Siebens, Seikyo Kim and Jan Latham-Koenig. As from the concert season 2019-20, the Estionan Kristiina Poska is the chief conductor of the Flanders Symphony Orchestra.
In addition to the concert series in Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent, the Flanders Symphony Orchestra is a welcome guest at both national and international venues.
