Nederlands Ben Haemhouts
Ben Haemhouts studied trombone at the Lemmens Institute in Leuven. Before completing these studies, he was at the age of 19 2nd trombone player with the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra. A few years later he was admitted as solo trombonist with the "Bamberger Symphoniker', where he remained active until September 2007.
After this career as a solo trombonist in the German "Bamberger Symphoniker" he focused on conducting and studied conducting with the Russian conductor Alexander Polyanichko, for whom he also worked as assistant-teacher. His collaborations with conductors such as Sir Simon Rattle, Valery Gergiev, Bernard Haitink, Herbert Blomstedt, Gustavo Dudamel, Guiseppe Sinopoli, Jonathan Nott and Essa Pekka Salonen exerted lasting influence on him.
Since he became chief conductor of the Chamber Orchestra of Belgium in 2008, he became known for groundbreaking programs in which he combines contemporary creations with baroque and classicism. His interpretations are characterized by great contrasts, precise articulation and a colorful, dynamic way of making music.
After one of his first concerts as principal conductor of the Belgian Chamber Orchestra, the magazine Knack headlined 'Energy from Belgium!’. In this concert, Pergolesi's "Salve Regina" was combined without interruption with a world premiere of the award-winning Stefan Prins. The slogan has now become his trademark and describes perfectly his ambition and drive.
Within the Belgian Chamber Orchestra he is committed to projects which emphasize social engagement and children. His approach that music has to be accessible for all sections of the population and an ochestra should be part of society, is received with great acclaim in Belgium.
As a guest conductor, he has conducted numerous youth orchestras including the "Junge Deutsche Philharmonie", the Symphonic Orchestra of the Conservatory of Antwerp 'and the' Orchestre Jeunesses Musicales'. Ben Haemhouts also conducted the world premiere "La Création 'by Andre Laporte with the Hermes Ensemble and was a guest at various ensembles for contemporary music in Belgium, Netherlands and Germany. In 2008 he made his debut with the Symphonic Orchestra of the Philharmonic Tchernovcy.
