Koen Kessels (born 1961) is a Belgian conductor and pianist. He is music director of The Royal Ballet[2][1] and of Het Balletorkest, affiliated with the Dutch National Ballet.
Koen Kessels | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1961[1] |
| Nationality | Belgian |
| Occupation(s) | Conductor, music director |
| Known for | Music director of The Royal Ballet and of Dutch National Ballet |
Biography
editTrained as a pianist, Kessels studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp. He became a repetiteur and an assistant conductor at the Vlaamse Opera.[3] He founded the music ensemble HERMES in 1998[4][5] and continues to serve as its artistic director. He has served as music director for the Belgian summer opera festival Zomeropera Alden Biesen.[2]
Kessels became music director of Birmingham Royal Ballet in 2010. In 2015, he became music director of The Royal Ballet.[6][7] In December 2023, Dutch National Ballet announced the appointment of Kessels as its next music director, which includes the posts of artistic director and chief conductor of Het Balletorkest, effective 1 August 2024.[8] Kessels concluded his tenure as music director of Birmingham Royal Ballet on 30 June 2024.[9]
Kessels is an honorary professor at Birmingham University, as well as artistic director of Inspiratum. He is also on staff of the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp.
References
edit- ^ a b Jessica Salter (2015-11-21). "The world of Koen Kessels". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2016-05-20.
- ^ a b Hanna Weibye (2017-05-31). "Koen Kessels: 'there's a joke in ballet we only have two tempi'". The Arts Desk. Retrieved 2024-01-01.
- ^ Kirkup, Sarah (2016-09-27). "'Working with contemporary composers is the main purpose of any company'". Gramophone. Retrieved 2017-06-01.
- ^ Chrisopher Morley (2010-01-22). "Koen Kessels picks up the baton at Birmingham Royal Ballet". Business Live. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
- ^ HERMES' own website mentions 2000 as the year of the ensemble's founding.
- ^ Shipman, Chris (2014-10-07). "Koen Kessels to succeed Barry Wordsworth as Music Director of The Royal Ballet — News — Royal Opera House". Roh.org.uk. Retrieved 2016-05-20.
- ^ "Koen Kessels to succeed Barry Wordsworth as Music Director of The Royal Ballet and Barry Wordsworth to become Principal Guest Conductor" (PDF) (Press release). The Royal Ballet. 7 October 2014. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
- ^ "Koen Kessels nieuwe muzikaal leider Het Nationale Ballet & artistiek leider & chef-dirigent Het Balletorkest" (Press release). Dutch National Ballet. 14 December 2023. Retrieved 2024-01-02.
- ^ "Paul Murphy announced as new Music Director" (Press release). Birmingham Royal Ballet. 22 January 2024. Retrieved 2024-01-24.