[THIS IS US]

Casco Phil is a dynamic collective that turns all preconceptions about the orchestra on its head. Propelled by the artistic vision of our chief conductor Benjamin Haemhouts, who has led the ensemble since its inception, Casco Phil positions itself as unique within the Belgian concert landscape. A flexible, committed group of musicians putting out a wide repertoire. With Western European, classical compositions as the base, Casco Phil deliberately looks beyond the divisions of genre and enjoys making forays into contemporary avant-garde, jazz and pop music.

As performers, we at Casco Phil always look forward. Where should the traditional orchestra go next? How can we renew this age-old repertoire? What out-of-the-box solutions can we come up with to reach new audiences?

With Casco Phil, you will discover music in unseen places, experience concerts in unique set-ups or sample unfamiliar pieces.

Agile in form, unwavering in quality. Our projects may be very diverse, but we always hold ourselves to the highest artistic standard in everything we do. The permanent core of our ensemble includes musicians carefully selected on their artistic and human qualities. The soloists and composers we regularly collaborate with also perform at the same world-class standard. The Labèque sisters, Sylvia and Stéphanie Huang, Bryce Dessner, Pieter Wispelwey, Lukáš Vondráček, Liebrecht Vanbeckevoort… With immeasurable drive, everyone gives their best time and again.

This is why we find the metaphor of a structural shell (“casco” in Dutch) so accurate. The structure itself must be a solid and strong base. An architect can then mount their art on that shell. In the same way, our collective is a solid frame with endless creative possibilities.

Casco Phil
Unexpected. Adventurous. Colourful.