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La Brigade Costumée répétition 2024ⓒ Aurélie Remy-15.jpg

Conductor, innovator and mentor

Lars Corijn (b. 1996) is a dynamic conductor who views the orchestra as a living organism - a collective of talented individuals that, under unified direction, transforms into a singular, powerful voice. For Lars, it is vital that this voice resonates far beyond the concert hall, reaching into the heart of the community. His passion lies in inspiring musicians, not merely to perform, but to explore together how much deeper they can engage with a particular repertoire, discovering its true essence and emotional core.

Graduating from the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp, Lars trained as a tenor, conductor, and conducting teacher, studying under Gary Jankowski (classical singing), Luc Anthonis (choral conducting), and Steven Verhaert (orchestral conducting). During his studies, he regularly performed as a freelance singer with renowned institutions such as Opera Ballet Vlaanderen, the Flemish Radio Choir, and La Monnaie in Brussels, while also taking on soloist roles in Die Zauberflöte, Albert Herring, Dido and Aeneas, and Prisoner of the State.

Though he enjoyed early success as a singer, Lars’ passion for conducting continued to grow. After graduation, he shifted his focus fully to conducting, quickly earning recognition with a second prize at the prestigious International Conductor's Contest at the WMC in Kerkrade, Netherlands. His conducting technique, musical insight, and rapport with musicians were highly praised. He further developed his skills through masterclasses with leading conductors such as Mark Heron, Clark Rundell, Josep Vila i Casañas, and Vladimir Kiradjiev, mastering both choral and orchestral repertoire.

A key aspect of Lars' artistic vision is working with young musicians - the future of the classical music world. In 2022, he co-founded the Mahler Student Festival Orchestra, alongside colleague Jappe Dendievel. This ensemble introduces music students from across Europe to large-scale symphonic works, and has already presented successful performances of Gustav Mahler’s Second and Ninth Symphonies, Anton Bruckner’s Ninth Symphony, and Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, as well as works by emerging composers. This initiative exemplifies Lars' commitment to nurturing the next generation of professional musicians and fostering international collaboration.

In the 2023-2024 season, Lars was appointed assistant conductor to Gergely Madaras, chief conductor of the Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège. In this role, he regularly led rehearsals, concerts, and recording sessions, further establishing himself as a skilled and versatile conductor.

What sets Lars apart is his entrepreneurial approach to conducting. He is constantly seeking ways to innovate within the orchestral landscape, be it through new collaborations or inspiring a new generation of musicians. For Lars, music is an ever-evolving dialogue of creativity and interaction, and he sees himself as a catalyst for that evolution.

“Lars has incredible talent, knowledge, a very advanced conducting technique, an outgoing pleasant personality, is confident and enjoys conducting, endears himself to the musicians.”

                                                             - Douglas Bostock, conductor

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