Flanders Symphony Orchestra has grown into a flexible and enterprising ensemble that places symphonic music at the heart of society. The orchestra was founded in 1960 by Dirk Varendonck, who was also its first conductor. A thorough reform followed in 1995 and the orchestra was given its current name. After that, David Angus, Etienne Siebens, Seikyo Kim and Jan Latham-Koenig, among others, were at the helm. Since 2019, Estonian conductor Kristiina Poska has led the orchestra. In January 2026, she will hand over the baton to Martijn Dendievel.
Anchored in Flanders but with an open view on the world, the orchestra combines local commitment with international ambitions. From small-scale educational concerts in the neighbourhoods of Ghent, its own concert series in Ghent, Antwerp and Bruges to prestigious concerts and artistically innovative projects on renowned concert stages at home and abroad.
