History of the music library of Brussels Philharmonic - het Vlaams Radio Orkest and Vlaams Radio Koor

To trace the origins of the music library of Brussels Philharmonic - het Vlaams Radio Orkest and Vlaams Radio Koor, we have to go back to the establishment, under the INR/NIR, of a small-scale orchestra on 18 June 1930, because the history of the music library commences with the foundation of this orchestra. On 1 January 1931, M. Denhieu was appointed as the first music librarian, and from 1931-1932 onwards, it is mentioned in the annual reports of the INR/NIR.

Until 1960 the music library was developed by and remained associated with all orchestras set up within the INR/NIR. On 18 May 1960, the INR/NIR was split up to create three institutions: BRT, RTB and the ‘Instituut van de Gemeenschappelijke diensten’ (Communal Services Institute). It was not until 1977 that this institute was abolished. At that point, BRT and RTB became completely independent. However, the music library remained the undivided property of both institutions, as it was realised that its unique value would be destroyed if it were split up.

In 1998, the Filharmonisch Orkest van de Openbare Omroep (Public Broadcasting Network Philharmonic Orchestra) was privatised. The library remained the undivided property of VRT and RTBF. VRT entrusted the management of the library to the Flemish Community, which in turn assigned the role to the non-profit association, Vlaams Omroeporkest en Kamerkoor vzw. In view of its experience of the orchestral and choral world, the VRO-VRK has acted as guarantor of In 1998, the Filharmonisch Orkest van de Openbare Omroep (Public Broadcasting Network Philharmonic Orchestra) was privatised. The library remained the undivided property of VRT and RTBF. VRT entrusted the management of the library to the Flemish Community, which in turn assigned the role to the non-profit association, Vlaams Omroeporkest en Kamerkoor vzw. In view of its experience of the orchestral and choral world, the VRO-VRK has acted as guarantor of the high-quality management and continued development of the music library since the introduction of this arrangement.