Ryelandt Festival 2022 / Hulde aan de directeur

It was 150 years ago in 2020 that the Bruges composer Joseph Ryelandt was born. This was celebrated with a real city festival. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the concert Ode to the director was postponed to May 15, 2022.

Teachers, students and alumni of the Bruges Conservatory, together with singing soloists Sarah Peire, Isabelle Dekeyser, Hendrik Mispelon, Thomas Vanlede, the choirs Cantores Avvio, Vagantes Morborum, Camerata Ostendia, the orchestra Artis Dulcedi and the Ryelandt Trio, bring a tribute to the composer. The program includes some of his most beloved works, such as the poignant symphonic poem Idylle mystique for soprano and orchestra, as well as several chamber music works, the intimate Flos Carmeli and the cantata Veni Creator.

In his time, Joseph Ryelandt's music was played in Belgium and abroad. Even today he is still known as one of the most important composers of the Belgian fin de siècle. Josep Ryelandt is without any doubt connected with the city of Bruges. He was born in Bruges,  lived there, was director of the Conservatory from 1924 to 1945, died and is buried there.

As director of the Bruges Conservatory, he conducted the conservatory concerts and composed chamber music works for the students and orchestral music for the school orchestra.

Nearly his entire oeuvre is currently in the possession of the city. In Bruges there is even a street and a concert hall that bear his name. 2020 was the year in which the people of Bruges got to know their composer better.