Founded in 2005 in Ghent, Belgium, B’Rock Orchestra has kept its founders’ passion for Baroque music and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional performance practices. The ensemble's name reflects its intent to bring a fresh, energetic approach to the interpretation of early music, with a contemporary edge. Prominent musicians, but also visual artists and thinkers make up its Artistic Family.
From its inception, B’Rock Orchestra was guided by a mission to explore the full expressive potential of period instruments, while engaging with a wide range of musical styles and eras. This innovative approach has earned the ensemble a reputation for its bold programming and inventive performances.
B’Rock Orchestra’s repertoire spans five centuries, ranging from the masterpieces of the Baroque period to contemporary works. With the Vocal Consort, B’Rock has expanded its repertoire working with like-minded singers.
B’Rock Orchestra also engages with contemporary societal issues through its artistic concepts and educational initiatives like B’Rock Encounters, which deepen connections with audiences and nurture future talent.
B’Rock Orchestra enjoys long-term links with production and presentation partners such as DE SINGEL International Arts Centre, Muziektheater Transparant (Antwerp), KASK & Conservatorium Ghent, International Opera Academy (Ghent), and Opéra de Rouen (France). B’Rock Orchestra is a regular guest at Concertgebouw Brugge, Muziekcentrum De Bijloke (Ghent), Bozar (Brussels), Concertgebouw and Muziekgebouw Amsterdam, Amare Den Haag, Kölner Philharmonie, Beethovenfest Bonn, and Opéra Grand Avignon.
Recent highlights include a tour of six European cities with Carmen (1874 version) and a trip to Korea and Japan with Handel’s Il trionfo del Tempo, both conducted by René Jacobs; the Listeners Academy in Berlin, Brussels, Ghent, Zurich and Geneva, where Alexander Melnikov discusses and performs Beethoven’s First Piano Concerto; the dance performance Torment of Hearts by Femke Gyselinck (GRIP); and collaborations with (vocal) soloists such as Jeanine De Bique, Benjamin Appl, Lucile Richardot, Olga Pashchenko, and Elisabeth Hetherington.
After productions for Klara, BR Klassik, and Archiv, B’Rock Orchestra now records for Pentatone. Recent releases include Handel Water & Fire, the requiems by Philippus van Steelant, as well as Schubert’s complete symphonies led by René Jacobs.
B’Rock Orchestra is generously supported by the players of the Belgian National Lottery, and receives subsidies from the Government of Flanders and the City of Ghent.