Getting to know the ROLE project partners: KASK & Conservatorium (Ghent)

KASK & Conservatorium (HOGENT – Howest) is a driving force in the ROLE project, bringing expertise in contemporary music, performance, and digital innovation. Its active participation ensures that opera can be both preserved and reimagined for new audiences through inventive educational approaches.

A centre of creativity and contemporary music education

KASK & Conservatorium has established itself as one of Belgium’s leading institutions for music and the performing arts. Known for its emphasis on creativity, experimentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration, the conservatorium offers a wide-ranging curriculum that spans classical, contemporary, and experimental music, as well as theatre and media arts. Its approach combines artistic training with forward-thinking pedagogy, encouraging students to explore their craft while maintaining a strong connection to musical tradition.

Situated in the historic city of Ghent, renowned for its rich cultural life and international outlook, KASK & Conservatorium provides an inspiring environment for emerging artists. The institution equips students not only with technical skill and artistic knowledge but also with the tools to innovate, collaborate, and respond to the evolving landscape of contemporary music and opera.

Photo: Phoebe De Corte (www.schoolofartsgent.be)

Innovation and international collaboration

As a key partner in the ROLE project, KASK & Conservatorium brings expertise in contemporary performance practice, digital technologies, and interdisciplinary artistic projects. Its contribution is central to ensuring that ROLE combines respect for the operatic heritage with the creative potential of modern artistic practices. From engaging with digital music production to developing immersive performance experiences, the conservatorium helps bridge traditional opera and contemporary innovation, demonstrating how the art form can thrive in the 21st century.

The institution’s strong international network of artists, educators, and researchers further enhances the project’s impact, enabling the development of educational resources and outreach programmes that resonate beyond Belgium, engaging a diverse global audience.

Collaboration and impact

KASK & Conservatorium is part of a distinguished consortium of European institutions dedicated to the promotion of opera and cultural heritage through innovative, collaborative projects. Its involvement in ROLE reflects a commitment to artistic excellence, education, and international engagement. Through this partnership, the conservatorium ensures that opera remains dynamic, relevant, and accessible, inspiring a new generation of performers, creators, and audiences alike.