On 9 November 2025, Jos Van Immerseel turns 80. As one of the leading figures of historical performance practice in Flanders, he gave Belgian music international resonance, alongside illustrious names such as the Kuijken brothers, Paul Van Nevel and Paul Dombrecht.
Van Immerseel made his name as a pianist, harpsichordist, fortepianist, conductor and as founder of Anima Eterna Brugge. His pedagogical influence extended far beyond Belgium: he taught at conservatories in Amsterdam, Paris, Tokyo and Bloomington.
To celebrate this special birthday, three music lovers from Sint-Amands – Dominique Dejonghe, Frans Lamberechts and Thierry Van Eeckhout – have taken the initiative to organize a duo recital with Jos Van Immerseel and his life partner Ayako Ito, on Saturday 18 October 2025 at 8pm.
The choice of "The Chapel", the charmingly renovated small church of Mariekerke on the Schelde, was obvious. Thanks to its wooden barrel vault, this location enjoys exceptional acoustics. The recital takes place on two historical grand pianos: a Bechstein and an Érard.
The programme includes, among others: Danse Macabre (Saint-Saëns), La Cathédrale Engloutie (Debussy), Fantasie-Tableaux (Rachmaninoff), Danses Andalouses (Infante) and the Polovtsian Dances from Prins Igor (Borodin).
Date: Saturday 18 October, 8pm Location: "The Chapel" OLV church, Omgangstraat 1, 2880 Mariekerke (Bornem) Tickets & info: www.bornem.be – search term: immerseel