Symfonisch Orkest Opera Ballet Vlaanderen is the symphony orchestra that accompanies the opera and ballet productions of Opera Ballet Vlaanderen, the largest cultural institution in Flanders, Belgium. Founded in 1989 under the direction of Rudolf Werthen, the orchestra has since been led by several notable chief conductors such as Stefan Soltesz, Marc Minkowski, Massimo Zanetti, Ivan Törzs, Dmitri Jurowski, and currently Alejo Pérez, who has been music director since the 2019/20 season. The orchestra is known not only for its role in supporting opera and ballet performances but also for its symphonic concerts and music theater projects. It frequently performs internationally in cities like Luxembourg, Paris, Rotterdam, and Edinburgh, and has worked with distinguished guest conductors including Ingo Metzmacher and Eliahu Inbal. In 2021, it was nominated for ‘Best Orchestra’ at the International Opera Awards, highlighting its artistic excellence.
Opera Ballet Vlaanderen itself is based in Antwerp and Ghent and integrates opera, ballet, and contemporary projects under one roof, emphasizing a blend of major classical works and contemporary creations. The Symfonisch Orkest plays a key role in bringing this diverse repertoire to life, contributing to the company’s mission of presenting opera and ballet as vibrant, living art forms to a broad and varied audience.
Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the artists you love!
Get Started