As of June 1, 2026, a new duo will take the helm of Brussels Philharmonic vzw. Steven Cosyns becomes general director, Masa Spaan artistic director. Together they take over from intendant Gunther Broucke, who led the organization for more than twenty-five years. The board of directors, with chairman Luc Delrue, deliberately chose to split the position of intendant into two complementary roles.
Twenty-five years of Gunther Broucke
Gunther Broucke came on board in 1998, at the time the orchestra and choir became independent from public broadcasting. He steered the ensembles through initially turbulent times toward stability, international visibility and local relevance that is now taken for granted. From the start, he set an independent and ambitious course. He was the first to see the potential of film music and brought in prestigious Hollywood soundtracks, relocated the musicians to their home at Flagey in 2005, and built an extensive network of international partners. Thanks to his nose for innovative projects, the organization positioned itself as a pioneer in several areas. In addition to building up the orchestra, Broucke simultaneously ensured a revival and raising of quality standards for the Flemish Radio Choir, for which he attracted conductors, as well as for the orchestra, who fulfilled the ambitions. As a third feather in the cap is the founding of the Brussels Young Philharmonic, an orchestra that guides young musicians between 15 and 25 toward later professional orchestral life.
"I leave behind three healthy ensembles, brimming with ambition and ready for the next step", says Broucke. "I am particularly pleased that the board chose to split the position of intendant: by appointing two strong and complementary figures, the further development of the future is secured. I have complete confidence in Masa and Steven, and look forward to following the continued growth of the ensembles under their leadership."
In 2016, during the celebration of 10 Years of Klassiek Centraal, Gunter Broucke received the Gold Label Music Management, presented to him by Jo Libeer (former chairman of VOKA, father of pianist Julien Libeer).
Masa Spaan, artistic director
Masa Spaan brings extensive experience in artistic programming, a proven track record in innovative projects and a broad international network. She studied violin at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, followed by Musicology and Art and Culture Philosophy at the University of Amsterdam, and obtained a Master's degree in Music Programming from ArtEZ, where she specialized in the renewal of concert practice. As an independent programmer, she developed interdisciplinary programs commissioned by orchestras, choirs, concert halls and festivals. In recent years, she was responsible for the artistic strategy and programming of Concertgebouw de Doelen in Rotterdam.
"What Brussels Philharmonic and the Flemish Radio Choir do is unique", says Spaan. "I have been following the ensembles for some time from the Doelen. When I was asked to become artistic director and went through the selection process, I only became more excited to work for these ensembles. My drivers lie in meaningful renewal of concert practice. With the DNA of these companies, the determination of this organization and Steven's arrival, I can make a significant contribution to that."
Steven Cosyns, general director
Steven Cosyns brings broad experience at the intersection of strategy, business management and creativity. A business engineer, graduate of Solvay Business School, he gained experience at Unilever and Coca-Cola. He subsequently held management positions at, among others, DDB Brussels, DPG Media and BBDO Belgium. Later, he co-founded egghunter, a strategic-creative bureau where strategy, creativity and entrepreneurship come together. Together with Spaan, Cosyns wants to continue building a Brussels Philharmonic that focuses on artistic excellence, social relevance and the development of tomorrow's musicians, singers and makers.
"I have been following the orchestra and choir for many years, and have always been fascinated by the unique and ambitious course being taken here", says Cosyns. "That I can now help direct that together with Masa, the team, the musicians and the singers is special. I feel both honored and humbled to help build the next chapter of this organization with so much potential."