Bruges orchestra ends collaboration with founder over 'aggressive behaviour'
The Bruges-based orchestra Anima Eterna has ended the collaboration with its founder, conductor Jos van Immerseel. The orchestra took the decision because of “persistent aggressive behaviour” and “regular breaches of contractual obligations”.
Anima Eterna is an international orchestra that focuses on music written between 1750 and 1945. The orchestra, in residence at the Concertgebouw Brugge, is renowned for its research into historical performance practices. Anima Eterna has now ended the collaboration with Van Immerseel, who founded it in 1987.
"The governing body regrettably sees no other way out than to end the working relationship"
According to the orchestra, Van Immerseel “has repeatedly disregarded the values he has shared with Anima Eterna for years”. “After numerous fruitless attempts to enable Jos van Immerseel to continue his story with the orchestra and pass on his knowledge and know-how in a spirit of respect, the governing body regrettably sees no other way out than to end the working relationship,” it said.
Anima Eterna stresses Van Immerseel's influence on historically informed musical practice. “As a true pioneer in the rediscovery of the Romantic repertoire to the early 20th century on period instruments, Jos van Immerseel has enabled Anima Eterna and its musicians to be among the leading ensembles in Europe and the world,” it said.
#FlandersNewsService | Conductor Jos van Immerseel during a concert at the Bruges Concertgebouw Brugge, June 2021 © PHOTO ANP / HOLLANDSE HOOGTE / ALEX VANHEE
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