Three institutions, one orchestra: the unique story of the Etterbeek Academic Wind Orchestra

Eric De Ripainsel
1 day ago
3 min read

Three institutions, different backgrounds, one shared passion: music. The Etterbeek Academic Wind Orchestra brings students, musicians, and pupils together in a unique musical project. Discover how this orchestra grew into an inspiring meeting place between education, culture, and collaboration.

Three institutions, one orchestra: discover the Etterbeek Academic Wind Orchestra

The Academic Wind Orchestra Etterbeek (AHo Etterbeek) is a unique musical collaboration in Brussels. The orchestra originated as a joint initiative of the GO! Music Academy Etterbeek , the Royal Military Academy (RMA) , and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) . From a shared conviction that music can connect people and institutions, a project grew that today has become a fixture within the academic and cultural life in Etterbeek.

Three partners, one orchestra

The foundation of AHo Etterbeek lies in the complementarity of its three partners.

The GO! Music Academy Etterbeek contributes its pedagogical expertise and talented students.
The VUB offers an academic context in which students and alumni can continue to pursue their musical passion alongside their studies or professional careers.
The Royal Military Academy (RMA) adds a strong musical tradition, discipline, and international appeal to this, with musicians from its own ranks and a rich history within military music culture.

This unique collaboration resulted in an orchestra where different generations, backgrounds, and musical experiences come together.

The first steps

In 2023, the idea took concrete form. Rehearsals brought together pupils from the music academy, students and alumni of the VUB, and musicians affiliated with the RMA in a single wind orchestra.

The first concert in the spring of 2024 marked the official launch of the project. The performance demonstrated not only the artistic potential of the orchestra but also the strength of the collaboration between civilian and military academic institutions.

The meaning of “academic”

The term “academic” refers to the orchestra’s anchoring within higher education and Part-time Arts Education (DKO), as well as to the shared learning environment it creates. The AHo Etterbeek is a place where:

students, pupils, alumni and management staff making music together,
knowledge and experience are passed on between generations,
artistic ambition goes hand in hand with education,
and cooperation between institutions is central.

Moreover, the presence of the RMA underscores the intercultural character of the orchestra and strengthens the artistic level with a deep-rooted musical tradition.

A bridge between worlds

The Etterbeek Academic Wind Orchestra forms a bridge between part-time arts education, university education, and military academic training. The orchestra transcends the classical amateur wind orchestra and serves as a meeting place where artistic quality, academic affiliation, and social engagement come together.

With the AHo Etterbeek, the GO! Muziekacademie Etterbeek, the Royal Military Academy, and the VUB prove that collaboration across institutional boundaries can lead to an inspiring cultural project that continues to grow – driven by a passion for music and shared commitment.

Come see the orchestra at work – April 26, 2026

On April 26, 2026, you can see the Etterbeek Academic Wind Orchestra in action for free during their concert.

In addition to the original three institutions, the AHo Etterbeek is expanding its horizons by actively collaborating with additional partners. In 2026, our international friends from the Musikschule in Styria (Austria) will be welcomed, as well as the choirs of the VUB and GO! Muziekacademie . Furthermore, renowned musician Tuur Florizoone will share the stage with the orchestra, adding an extra dimension to the artistic project. In this way, the AHo is growing into a unique platform where local and international talents make music together and push boundaries.

Would you like more context regarding the works performed? Are you curious about the background of the repertoire and the collaboration between the partners? Or do you simply want to support a good cause?

Then come to the OSB-VUB benefit event beforehand . During this event, you will get extra context for the music, meet those involved behind the project, and give a helping hand to children who are struggling financially.

As a participant in the benefit event, you also enjoy reserved seats during the concert .

This is how you combine culture, content, and engagement in one afternoon or evening.

Concert: