OdeGand
On Saturday 18 September OdeGand, the cultural season’s opening act will charm the Ghent city canals for the eighth time in a row. The audience embarks on a musical voyage moving from one concert to the other. Fado, flamenco, tango, jazz and classical music are dominantly present and spread a fire of enthusiasm all over Ghent. In the evening the Graslei and Korenlei become the background of a breathtaking show of light, music and dance that can be enjoyed by the whole city.
After seven editions, it is safe to say that “OdeGand” has become a classic in its own right: Ghent’s season opener presents music from all over the world along Ghent’s quays. Take one of the countless boats that are awaiting you for “OdeGand” and embark on a journey among magnificent façades and intriguing sounds, en route to dozens of concert locations. Dive into the world of fado, flamenco, tango, exceptional classical music, and so much more! “In a sense, OdeGand is a gathering of people from all over the world in a big village,” wrote De Standaard.
The previous seven editions of OdeGand fielded no fewer than 140 ensembles. Among hundreds of artists were a host of household names, like Barbara Hendricks, Jordi Savall, the SowetoGospel Choir, Wim Mertens, Les Ballets C de la B and Wannes Vandevelde. The audience were treated to such special highlights as a Finnish scream choir, a symphony for fire engines, the four DJs of Birdy Nam Nam, three alpine horn players and several hilarious-to-bizarre marching bands. Classical and world music combined to grand ode to music. Here are just some of the artists who performed during past editions: Bernard Foccroulle, Abida Parveen Argentina Santos, Claron McFadden, Sigiswald Kuijken, Philip Catherine, Hopkinson Smith, Marco Beasley, Jan Michiels and Jef Neve.
The OdeGand concept allows you to taste a variety of performances simply by walking in and out the venues, although other concerts are closed (yet last only 45 minutes). Look out for a surprising and highly original menu. On 18 September, the whole world will be at your feet, accompanied by a touch of classical, swinging jazz and a Latino atmosphere.
Everybody is welcome to OdeGand. So why not take the whole family for a delicious bite of top-notch culture? There will be something for everybody at every street corner and in every square: percussion, South-African traditional dancing, alpine horn players, marching bands—you name it. There will be special concerts adapted to children.
And don’t plan on returning home early, for it would be a pity to miss the events on Graslei and Korenlei, with its spectacular bonfire at night!
One ticket grants you access to both the boats and over 50 concerts.The programme for 2010 will be posted on www.gentfestival.be from 18 August on.
