Het Grensorkest
Along the border where cultures meet, a rich interplay of sounds resonates. Het Grensorkest breathes new life into the traditional dance repertoire of French Vlaanderen and the Westhoek. A collaboration of French and Flemish musicians that revives centuries-old melodies in the present day.
More about this project
Het Grensorkest is the result of a unique cross-border collaboration between Muziekcentrum Dranouter (now: ‘Nouter Club) and the Centre Socio-Culturel de Hazebrouck, established on the occasion of the celebration of 300 years of the border in 2013. Led by Benjamin Macke on the French side and Pieterjan van Kerckhoven on the Vlaanderen side, a large orchestra was formed that breathes new life into the traditional dance repertoire of French Vlaanderen and the Westhoek.
The musicians were selected from and around the border, with a conscious mix of French and Vlaanderen players to stimulate musical exchange. The ensemble performed for the first time during Festival Dranouter 2013 and has since grown into an independent non-profit organization that stands on its own two feet.