opMaatorkest

The 'opMaatorkest' gives Antwerp primary school children the chance to learn to play an instrument and perform in the Queen Elisabeth Hall.

The opMaatorkest is the result of a unique partnership between the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra and Antwerp primary schools. This season is also a cause for celebration as the opMaatorkest was founded ten years ago.

Since September 2012, experienced music teachers have been teaching children to play musical instruments. At the end of the school year, the children perform a concert in the Queen Elisabeth Hall, accompanied by a concert band consisting of musicians of the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra.

Antwerp Symphony & Vincent Callot

The opMaatorkest

- has existed for more than 10 years
- annually teaches over 200 pupils from the 3rd and 4th years to play an instrument at school
- this school year has 68 violinists, 21 violists, 24 cellists, 34 flautists, 43 clarinettists, 23 saxophonists, 24 trumpet players and 22 percussionists
- already reached a total of more than 2,500 pupils.

Teachers 2026-2027

Jeroen Corneillie, Roosmarijn Demey, Lara Denies, Zulema Hechavarria Blanco, Tine Hubrechts, Doroteya Jankova, Tom Johnson, Esther Lambrechts, Anneleen Nauwelaerts, Yanaté Quintens, Yorick Roscam, Valentyna Shenhur, Katrin Smedts, Job Van Duynhoven, Lotte Van Havere, Lievenka Vander Meirssche, Yahandi Vasquez Alonso, Jeroen Vernimmen

Conductors: Lara Denies, Tom Johnson, Lotte Van Havere

Agenda

The opMaatorkest in concert

Birgitte Christophe, Tom Johnson

opMaatorkest

Tue 08.06.2027 – Multiple times

At the end of the school year, all the young musicians of the opMaatorkest gather on stage at the Queen Elisabeth Hall for a spectacular final concert. Exciting, fun and relaxed.

Queen Elisabeth Hall, Antwerpen

Tue 08.06.27

Free with reservation
- Tue 08.06.27
  
  11:00 - 12:00
  
  Queen Elisabeth Hall, Antwerpen
  
  Free with reservation
- Tue 08.06.27
  
  14:00 - 15:00
  
  Queen Elisabeth Hall, Antwerpen
  
  Free with reservation

10 years opMaatorkest

During season 2022-2023, together with our schools and children, we celebrated that the opMaatorkest has been in existence for 10 years! Relive the festive final concert in the Queen Elisabeth Hall here.