The Atomic Orchestra Becomes Resident Ensemble at Renovated Kursaal Oostende

The renowned music collective The Atomic Orchestra is set to become the resident orchestra at the Kursaal Oostende. Following renovations, the 47-member ensemble will commence a series of live concerts at the coastal venue starting in December. Beyond performances at the Kursaal, the musicians plan to engage with local communities in Ostend, collaborating with neighborhood choirs and youth groups.

Last weekend, The Atomic Orchestra performed a live show at Pukkelpop festival, featuring artists like Pommelien Thijs and Stijn Meuris. The collective, led by conductor Jo Hermans and filmmaker Gilles Coulier, has gained recognition in recent years for its reinterpretations of pop and rock hits and its appearance on the VRT program "Live Live Live."

From December 15, the orchestra will trade temporary stages for a permanent home at the Kursaal Oostende. The long-term collaboration involves two main components. Firstly, multiple live shows will feature one or more guest artists. Secondly, the "Atomic Sessions" will see nine orchestra musicians take to the city, performing in smaller venues with guest artists and collaborating with local brass bands, fanfares, and music associations.

"We don't just want to present concerts, but also to inspire," explained Coulier. "We like to compare it to a football club. The first team isn't just for watching, but to make young people dream of a place on the team. The Atomic Orchestra wants those in the audience to pick up an instrument, join a music school or band, and grow towards the stage." Conductor Jo Hermans added, "We were kind of homeless. Rehearsals always happened at Pukkelpop itself or at VRT. Now it feels like coming home. We also want to grow, and you simply need a fixed place from which you can build. And if you could choose one place in Belgium, we would choose the Kursaal, and we are happy to have found support in Ostend to continue this story."