August 02, 2022
01:00
He has been scouring the baroque scene for more than thirty years. When his traverso does not accompany the Collegium Vocale, Anima Eterna or Vox Luminis – among others! – it is in the organization that the Ghent flautist Jan Van den Borre, manager of the Il Gardellino ensemble, finds his happiness. Knowing that he is now the artistic director of the MA Festival in Bruges, an annual pilgrimage in which he took part from the age of 12!, is therefore not surprising.
As it will soon celebrate its 60th anniversary, the MA Festival (Musica Antiqua), an essential Bruges getaway during the summer period, is not immune to post-covid cultural challenges: declining concert hall attendance… and a plethora of the offer. So, in what state of mind does one take the lead in such an adventure? In the absence of a miracle recipe, Jan Van den Borre knows where he is going: “I want to deepen the links between generations of musicians. The Herreweghe, Van Nevel or Ponseele will not always be there. We must prepare the next generation, because, in music old, young musicians will never once more have the chance that I had in my youth.”
To speak clearly, there are now too many musicians and not enough money. In the past, people made a good living with early music. The big names were selling a lot of records, with little competition. And the labels had big budgets. Time gone. Now, you often have to pay to make a record.
Not to mention the level of young musicians, more and more remarkable…
It is indisputable. We see it during our concours…
Why did you delete it this year, when it is known all over the world?
The MA Festival wondered if a competition with a first class Wasn’t a bit old style. We only talk regarding the winner, while the others are often very good too. The current generation is remarkable…
“To put it bluntly, there are now too many musicians and not enough money.”
Where did this novelty come from, the MA Academy?
This is a biennial initiative. About thirty young musicians will prepare for a week, under the direction of Bertrand Cuiller, a Rameau concert, on August 9, while being accompanied by the coaches of B’Rock and Il Gardellino. This project is part of our desire to give more visibility to all these young talents.
What would prevent you from doing the Concours and the MA Academy every year?
Budgets, as always! That said, we are in reflection. The competition will of course continue to exist. She stays an exceptional showcase for a young harpsichordist or a young pianofortist. We just have to decide if we are going to organize it every year once more or if it will be alternated with the academy.
“The current generation is remarkable…”
The MA Festival also has a new general manager, the Walloon Adèle Querinjean. A rather rare Flemish/French-speaking duo, isn’t it?
We cheat a bit, she lives in Ghent and speaks 4 languages (laughs). But we had already worked together at College vocal. We really get along wonderfully.
Should policies be inspired by the cultural world?
I’m not telling you…
MA Festival (Bruges) from August 5 to 14 – Program on mafestival.be
The summary
- For almost 60 years, the Musica Antigua Festival has been enchanting summer in Bruges
- This 2022 edition is not immune to post-covid challenges
- New this year: the MA Academy, a biennial initiative designed to give more visibility to young talents
- Alongside Jan Van den Borre, artistic director, sits a new general manager – Walloon –: Adèle Querinjean
