About the MSFO

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The international Mahler Student Festival Orchestra was founded in 2022 by bassoonist Jappe Dendievel and conductor Lars Corijn. In March 2023, the orchestra gave its very first concerts, with Gustav Mahler's 2nd symphony on the programme. Some 180 musicians were on stage together in front of two sold-out halls.

After a first successful project, the orchestra continued its mission with a brand new season in which 3 major symphonies were performed on different stages. From Antwerp over Leuven to Heist-op-den-Berg, the orchestra played Mahler 9, Bruckner 9 and Beethoven 9.
In April 2025, the orchestra will perform Mahler's Third Symphony in Leuven and Antwerp.

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mission & vision​

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The Mahler Student Festival Orchestra brings together music students from all European conservatoires to perform large and challenging symphonic repertoire. In this way, the orchestra succeeds in achieving a high musical level through the commitment and dedication of many like-minded young, enthusiastic talents. The MSFO's vision focuses not only on the connection between musicians as people, but also on the connection between the musicians and our audience. In this way, a peer-to-peer learning context is fostered.

In the first project, 160 musicians from more than 20 nationalities came together to perform Gustav Mahler's Second Symphony for two sold-out venues. This project was welcomed by many and so a new season consisting of three major ‘nines’ was put together. A season with a strong focus on creating new music by young composers and collaborating with young soloists.

During the production process, the local community is actively involved. For instance, all rehearsals are open to the public and free chamber music concerts are organised with some musicians from the orchestra in collaboration with the local community and social projects. The musicians are coached by the crème de la crème of orchestral musicians from France, Belgium and the Netherlands. By creating this learning environment, the projects leave impressions and experiences that will last a lifetime.

The MSFO aims to contribute to the future of our classical music industry by providing a stage for the young professional talents of tomorrow.