CSBFNextGen2025 

Since its very first edition, the Coudenberg Sound Box Fest (CSBF) has embraced the idea of bringing together, in the same concert evening, an internationally acclaimed ensemble and a young, emerging group. With this spirit at its core, we are thrilled to launch CSBFNextGen2025 — a new programme and competition designed to discover and support the next generation of early (and beyond) music ensembles.

We welcome applications primarily from early music ensembles who feel a strong connection to the rich musical history of our palace. However, in the spirit of the CSBF — which celebrates the blending of diverse musical styles — we also encourage groups representing a wide range of genres, from jazz and folk to electronic and pop, provided their projects maintain meaningful links to the palace’s heritage and broader musical dialogue.

This ambitious initiative offers a tailored professionalisation path, providing young artists with meaningful tools to shape their careers and strengthen their artistic identity. In keeping with the festival’s unique dialogue between early and contemporary music, a call for applications is now open to select four promising ensembles.

Summary of Requirements:

  • The programme is open exclusively to professional ensembles. Amateur groups are not eligible.
  • Average age of musicians under 30
  • Maximum of 5 musicians per group
  • Programme aligning with the CSBF philosophy
  • Application deadline: September 30, 2025

The 4 selected groups will benefit from:

  • Custom workshops and masterclasses led by world-class musicians and professionals in the field (See list of Jury members down below);
  • Networking opportunities with representatives from leading cultural institutions in Brussels and across Belgium;
  • Visibility support, including interviews about their ensemble, project, and CSBF experience, to be shared across the festival and partners’ channels;
  • Live performance opportunities in 2026;
  • A professional video clip and audio recording, produced at the prestigious Coudenberg Palace, to enhance their digital presence and artistic portfolio.

At the end of this process, a jury of renowned experts will evaluate the four ensembles and select one winning group.

The CSBFNextGen2025 winner will receive:

  • A €1000 cash prize;
  • The opportunity to perform at CSBF 2026 (themed War & Peace) as part of our signature double-concert series alongside an internationally acclaimed ensemble;
  • A professionally produced video and audio recording, which may be included in the CSBF audio guide for the archaeological museum.

Key Dates

  • Application deadline: 30 September 2025
  • Selection results announced: 15 October 2025
  • Masterclasses, workshops & conferences: 5-6 November 2025 (venue to be determined)
  • Winner announced: 14 December 2025 at Coudenberg Palace during the closing event of CSBF2025

Jury

  • Matteo Gemolo, Artistic Director – CSBF
  • Jan Van den Borre, Artistic Director – MA Festival
  • Sergio Roberto Gratteri, Artistic Director – Das Haus
  • Camille de Rijck, Journalist – La Libre Belgique, Forumopera.com, Diapason, La Première
  • Emmanuelle Soupart, Artistic Director – Jeunesses Musicales
  • Philippe Pierlot, Violist & Director – Ricercar Consort
  • Ann Cnop, Violinist & Director – Le Pavillon de Musique
  • Sofie Vanden Eynde, Lutenist & Director – Imago Mundi
  • Katelijne Lanneau, Flautist & Director – Early Music & Beyond

Apply

For questions or more information, please contact: info@soundboxfest.com