As of today, the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra and Opera Ballet Vlaanderen have become a single organisation.
Ballet chief Jan Raes will run the joint ensemble of 550 employees on an interim basis. The aim is to save money, starting with jobs. The compamy will eventually be renamed, probably in 2028.
The Flemish culture minister says: ‘With this merger, we are laying the foundation for a future-proof arts institution that can compete at the highest international level.’