MATRIX-project Symfonieorkest d'Academie Sint-Niklaas

The symphony orchestra of d'Academie Podium Sint-Niklaas consists of around 80 students, former students and outside enthusiasts with a passion for classical music. They are always looking for adventurous programmes. For instance, pushing cars on stage, DJs taking place behind the turntables or working with ad hoc instruments such as balloons or matchboxes.

Pieter Matthynssens is a cellist and art scientist. Together with composer Stefan Prins, he is artistic director of the Nadar Ensemble, which focuses on works by the youngest generation of national and international composers. Matthynssens is conductor of the symphony orchestra at d'Academie Podium Sint-Niklaas and guest lecturer at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp.

Shalan Alhamwy is a versatile artist with roots in Syria and Belgium. He is a violinist, composer, teacher and photographer. With classical training and a diverse musical background in Western, Arabic and Turkish music, he effortlessly blends all these styles in his music. Alhamwy performs with the Damask Duo and is artistic director of the Jiraan Ensemble and Picea Orientalis.

Luc Brewaeys (1959-2015) was a composer, conductor and pianist. He also worked as a music director at VRT-Radio. His oeuvre includes eight symphonies, two string quartets, chamber and solo music, electroacoustic works as well as a (chamber) opera. His music is best described as spectral-symphonic with lyrical accents (mainly in later works).