During the Breathing Concerts, jazz students from the Antwerp Conservatoire showcase the results of two weeks of intensive coaching and rehearsals with a leading jazz musician. The first Breathing of 2026 is led by Ben Sluys.
Ben Sluys
For this session, an internal faculty member is taking the lead, which makes it extra special. Ben Sluijs, besides being a teacher, is one of the most prominent saxophonists in the Belgian jazz scene, known for his expressive and lyrical playing. During the two intensive weeks, he guides the students not only as a coach but also plays alongside them. This gives the students the opportunity to experience a different, deeper way of collaborating and making music, going beyond the standard lessons.
During this session, Ben Sluys will coach the students Anke Ludwig (vocals), Prithivi Nakarmi (guitar), Wout Schepens (piano), Laris D’hose (bass), and Haiyang Liu (drums).
Over Breathing
With the Breathing project, the jazz department supports young musicians in their search for their own artistic voice. Several times a year, students work together for two weeks with renowned artists such as Galland, Bo van der Werf and Ben Sluijs. Under their accompaniment, intensive rehearsals and creative experiments take place, culminating in a concert that challenges and surprises the audience.
Photo: Jitte Davidson