Ghent Festival of Flanders is an international music event showcasing classical and world music in an original artistic way. It takes place in the second half of September at various venues and unusual locations in the city of Ghent. Over 180 concerts of the Ghent Festival of Flanders feature over 1500 Belgian and international artists. The annual event draws about 60,000 visitors every year.
Highlights of the Fest
One of the highlights of the festival is OdeGand when Ghent centre comes alive with music, fun, and celebration. With one festival ticket, visitors can access about 60 mid-length concerts around the city. There are also many free open-air events along the waterfront. Another option is to take one of the OdeGand boats along the canal and hop from one participating venue to another. The festival ends with a massive free concert followed by fireworks and a bonfire.
2024 Programme
The 2024 Programme of the Ghent Festival of Flanders includes performances by the Wiener Philharmoniker & Thielemann with Bruckner’s Symphony No. 1, Odessa Classics in Ghent, and Arvo Pärt and his Baltic friends. Other highlights are Jakub Józef Orliński & il Pomo d’Oro, Whispering Leaves, Irish Roots & Celtic Dreams, European Chamber Music Academy, The Great European Songbook, Welkom in Europa, Chamber Orchestra of Europe & Julia Hagen, The ECMA Project, and OdeGand. Additionally, there will be performances by Pierre-Laurent Aimard, In What We Trust, The Nordic Sessions, and Méditerra-Nuit.
Tickets
Tickets for various events at the Ghent Festival of Flanders can be purchased, with prices starting at 15 euros and going up to 175 euros, depending on the event.
History of Ghent Festival of Flanders
Festival of Flanders originated in 1958 in Tongeren, Limburg, where Jan Briers organized the basilica concerts of religious choral music. In 1972, other Flemish cities joined in, and the festival spread to Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels, Ghent, Kortrijk, and Flemish Brabant. It first focused on chamber and classical music; however, after some time, contemporary music, sound art, youth, musical theatre, visual arts, film, and dance were included.
