Sturm und Klang
Sturm und Klang, instrumental ensemble
The Sturm und Klang Ensemble, founded in 2000 by Thomas Van Haeperen, has, over the years, remained true to the ideals of freedom, passion, and individual emancipation embodied by the pre-Romantic movement known as Sturm und Drang. On the “Sturm” (Storm) side, the ensemble and its conductor pride themselves on energy, fervor, and enthusiasm as their major strengths; on the “Klang” (Sound) side, they emphasize vitality, precision, and sonic refinement. It is in this spirit that the ensemble’s musicians share a strong artistic drive and commitment to projects that call for their dynamism, sensitivity, and creativity, dedicated to seeking out in every work they undertake to perform the specific strengths it contains, the poetry that flows from it, and the sonic transformations it unfolds. The programming of Sturm und Klang focuses primarily on the repertoires of the 20th and 21st centuries, featuring original and demanding projects, in a spirit of discovery, of exploring new ways of listening, and of engaging with the present moment and the issues that define it. It also actively supports Belgian musical creation, particularly the younger generation, by organizing workshops for composers, through regular commissions, and by rediscovering forgotten figures of the 20th century.
©Isabelle Françaix
