Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen

The Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen (SOV), based in Gent and performing at various locations throughout Vlaanderen, is a Belgian symphony orchestra founded in 1960. It is supported by the Flemish government and the city of Gent and has been resident orchestra at Muziekcentrum De Bijloke Gent since 2017. Chief conductor since 2026 is Martijn Dendievel.

The orchestra aims to create opportunities for young, talented musicians, composers, soloists and conductors, and to make music from the present and past accessible to as broad and diverse an audience as possible in Vlaanderen and beyond. In addition to concert series in Antwerpen, Brugge, Brussel and Gent, Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen guests at cultural centres throughout Vlaanderen and at festivals at home and abroad.

In 1960, Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen came into being through the initiative of Dirk Varendonck, who was also the orchestra's first conductor. From 1986 onwards, the 'Nieuw Vlaams Orkest' was conducted by Patrick Peire, Robert Groslot and Fabrice Bollon. In 1995 the orchestra was renamed 'Het Symfonieorkest van Vlaanderen' and thoroughly reformed. Subsequently, David Angus, Etienne Siebens, Seikyo Kim and Jan Latham-Koenig held the position of chief conductor in turn. From the 2019-2020 concert season, Estonian conductor Kristiina Poska succeeded British conductor Jan Latham-Koenig.

Each year Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen issues various composition commissions.