Since the start of the theater renovation works, the theater and ticketing team has taken up residence in the building of Music Center Track at the Conservatory Square. Meanwhile, many visitors easily find their way to the Ticket Service desk and to the performances in the Concert Studio.
But with 5 concert halls, 38 classrooms, 9 office spaces, 3 rehearsal rooms, one recording studio, and 2 radio studios, Music Center Track is much more than that. Track is indeed one of the largest music centers in Flanders.
by Freek Depraetere - Coordinator Muziekcentrum Track
A place where different organizations meet and enrich each other with music as a binding element
In 2017, the renovated Music Center Track opened its doors, following a thorough renovation of, among other things, the communal ground floor space that connects all parts of the building. In this way, one music site was created for the city, where various organizations meet and enrich each other. Different partners are active on the site, each focusing on their domain: from education (Conservatory Kortrijk) to presentation (Wilde Westen, Schouwburg Kortrijk), from a youth organization (Medialab Quindo) to hospitality and meeting (music café HOF), but always with music as the binding element.
The Music Center Track is the ideal place where musical talent is developed, inspired, and professionally supported. This professional support consists not only of quality and suitable infrastructure. We also offer (first) stage opportunities and provide advice, coaching, and guidance.
By focusing on cross-pollinations between different sectors and partners, the music center serves as a home for various musical players. Our resident organization provides a physical space for music organizations such as Radio 2, Reveil, and Vlamo. This way, we also stimulate interactions with other sectors. We ensure that musicians reach a broad and diverse audience.
A breeding ground for creation and education
In addition to a unique concert hall, the building has even more special assets. For example, on the second floor, in an old radio studio dating back to the BRT era, there is a state-of-the-art recording studio. This space is increasingly being used for residencies and recordings, where we also seek a connection with the programming. For example, next season, Ward D’hoore (October 5) and Gabriël Noerens (September 21) will be guests, who can also find a place in the music center as part of a residency. The creative function of the Music Center thus receives a visible translation in the Schouwburg program. We want to further develop this in the coming years together with partners such as Wilde Westen and the Conservatory.
In addition to creation, the Music Center also focuses on education. The main partner in this is, of course, the Conservatory, where 1,200 students visit the Music Center weekly. But also workshops and masterclasses organized by the Music Center attract a wide audience. A masterclass week at the end of August culminates in a matinee concert with Annelien Van Wauwe on Sunday, November 23. On the same day, Arvid Steyaert, a teacher at the Conservatory, will be on the Jazz Cats stage during a club show at HOF. Cross-pollinations have thus become part of our modus operandi, where different organizations are also reflected in the audience offerings for the next season. Not only on stage, but also behind the scenes, we are a pool of talent. There are 3 training programs in stage technology housed in the Music Center. This way, students come into contact with the field they will later enter on a daily basis. They often help ensure that our performances are perfectly framed.
Lasting role in the Schouwburg programming
Even when the Schouwburg swings open its doors again in the 2026-2027 season, the Music Center will continue to play a role in musical talent development that culminates in quality programming within the Schouwburg offerings. A collaboration that our audience will be able to enjoy for a long time!
