Cultural Elegance: OdeGand 2023 in Pictures

The cultural season in Ghent kicked off in its customary style with the lively OdeGand event yesterday, on September 16. Opting for the afternoon program, we embarked on a musical journey along the Turquoise music route. Our first stop was the Bijloke, where we were treated to a performance by the ensemble SONICO. Formed in Brussels in 2015, SONICO is a unique group with a global mission: to revive and perform the music of Eduardo Rovira. Rovira, often overlooked and wrongly seen as "the other Astor Piazzolla," was a groundbreaking tango composer. Next, we headed to the NTGent Theatre to witness the outstanding Keybyart Ensemble. Born in Barcelona, these four immensely talented saxophonists showcased their skills in chamber music.Our musical adventure reached its peak at the Capitole, where we were treated to an energetic performance by Fanfare Ciocarlia. Originating from the northeastern Romanian village of Zece Prăjini, Fanfare Ciocărlia is a twelve-piece Romani Balkan brass band celebrated for their high-energy music. We were enthralled by their performance, featuring intricate rhythms and exhilarating solos on clarinet, saxophone, and trumpet. The entire audience was actively engaged in the performance, making it a memorable way to conclude another fantastic OdeGand festival – OdeGand, Ghent, Belgium.