With a hint of irony, English musicologist W. H. Blandford referred to the many Belgian horn players who were members of early 20th century British orchestras as “brave Belgians”. What is intriguing is that a significant number of influential horn players from the Art Nouveau period were products of the Royal Conservatory of Ghent. On the occasion of the research project “Brave Belgians of the Belle Époque” (HoGent School of Arts) and within the charming surroundings of the Institut Bruno Lussato & Marina Fédier, the ARTONOV Festival is offering a programme with horn player Jeroen Billiet and pianist Jan Huylebroeck. They will recount the incredible history of the horn and its players from Ghent over the course of the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods, with a blend of anecdotes, beautiful music and a remarkable collection of historical horns. The musicians will use the collection of historical instruments from the Royal Conservatory of Ghent for this musical story-telling event.
