This small region of Belgium has it all, from picturesque cities such as Bruges and Ghent, through to coastal resorts, such as Blankenberge and Ostend
In the heart of the Low Countries, Belgium has always had a special relationship with music. This is, after all, the birthplace of the saxophone and this rich heritage makes Belgium an exciting choice of destination for a European school music tour. Visit the beautiful cities of Brussels, Bruges and Ghent, where your ensemble could perform at one of the most-visited festivals in Europe. Or learn about the significance of music in remembrance, by participating in the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate.
Performance Venues
Ghent Festival
The annual Ghent Festival takes place towards the end of the third week in July - the place to be at this time of the year whether you are a local or a visitor! Many groups ranging from bands to choirs are welcomed to perform, and be part of the celebrations, soaking up the fantastic Flemish atmosphere.
Band
Orchestra
Choir
Ypres Cloth Hall Colonnade
Perform an open air concert in the Ypres town square known as 'The Market Place'. Numerous markets and special events take place here throughout the year attracting many visitors to the town.
Band
Orchestra
Choir
Last Post Ceremony, Menin Gate
Every evening since 1928 the Last Post has sounded at the Menin Gate at 20:00 in homage to the fallen British and Allied soldiers of World War I.This poignant and moving service is attended by numerous visitors wishing to pay their respects each evening. Music groups are permitted to perform as part of the service, either singing or playing two hymns.
Band
Choir
St Rochus Church
This church is located in the centre of Blankenberge, perfect for concerts for your group.
Orchestra
Choir
The Cathedral of Saints Michel and Gudule
A Roman-Catholic church in Brussels, which was given cathedral status in 1962, this building offers a Gothic interior with a Baroque pulpit. The cathedral provides amazing acoustics for choir and orchestra performances and is often available for afternoon recitals for visiting choirs.The special attraction, however, are the Peregrine Falcons that nest on the top of the towers of the Cathedral. A live stream of the birds is available via the RBINS website.
Choir
Church of Our Lady
The Onthaalkerk Onze-Lieve-Vrouw, with its 122-metre brick steeple, dominates the skyline of the city. It is quite literally the ‘high spot’ of the stonemason’s art in medieval Bruges. The church also plays host to a rich collection of art treasures, of which the crowning glory is definitely the beautiful ‘Madonna and Child’ by Michelangelo. The choir aisle is also a treasure trove of exceptional pieces: paintings and exquisite woodcarving, the 16th-century ceremonial tombs of Maria of Burgundy and Charles the Bold, as well as other painted tombs from the 13th and 14th centuries, etc.Music groups are allowed to be part of their Mass or perform a concert there. Sacred/Secular repertoire only.
Choir
Wapenplein Bandstand, Ostend
Perform at this charming bandstand in the heart of a lively central square in Ostend!
Band
Bruges Grote Markt
Perform in the centre of Bruges' atmospheric Grote Markt.
Why Halsbury Music?
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Our Music specialists
Sarah Newman
Music Tours Operations Manager
Alison Fox
Music Sales & Product Manager
Maria Pollard
Tour Coordinator
Our experienced music tour specialists are a really friendly, knowledgeable bunch. They’ll work with you to make sure your tour is packed full of unforgettable moments and leaves your musicians feeling totally inspired.