new management team
Brussels Philharmonic vzw is getting a new management team: Steven Cosyns (managing director) and Masa Spaan (artistic director) are taking over from Gunther Broucke, the organisation’s director
Brussels, 22 May 2026
From 1 June, a new team will be at the helm of Brussels Philharmonic vzw: Steven Cosyns (managing director) and Masa Spaan (artistic director) will take over from Gunther Broucke, who has led the organisation for more than 25 years.
A course set
Gunther Broucke joined the organisation in 1998, when the orchestra and choir became independent from the public broadcaster. He steered the ensembles through what were initially turbulent times to the stability, international standing and local relevance they enjoy today. Right from the start, he charted a distinctive and ambitious course that put both the orchestra and the choir on the map: Gunther was the first to recognise the potential of film music and succeeded in securing prestigious Hollywood soundtracks; in 2005, he was able to bring the musicians back to their home base at Flagey, thereby laying the foundations for further artistic growth; he built up an extensive network of international partners; and thanks to his flair for innovative projects, the organisation was recognised as a pioneer in various fields.
"I am leaving behind three thriving organisations, brimming with ambition and ready for the next step. I am particularly delighted that the governing body, chaired by Luc Delrue, has decided to split the role of artistic director: appointing two strong and complementary figures will ensure the ensembles’ continued development in the future.
I have every confidence in Masa and Steven, and look forward to continuing to follow the further growth of the ensembles under their leadership."
Artistic vision
Artistic Director Masa Spaan brings with her extensive experience in artistic programming, a proven track record in innovative projects and a wide-ranging international network.
Masa studied violin at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, followed by studies in Musicology and Philosophy of Art and Culture at the University of Amsterdam and a Master’s in Music Programming at ArtEZ, where she specialised in the renewal of concert practice. In this capacity, she worked as an independent programmer and developed innovative and interdisciplinary programmes on commission from various orchestras, choirs, concert halls and festivals. In recent years, Masa has been in charge of the artistic strategy and programming at Concertgebouw de Doelen (Rotterdam).
“What the Brussels Philharmonic and the Flemish Radio Choir do is unique: I’d been following the ensembles for a while from De Doelen. When I was asked to become artistic director and went through the selection process, it only made me even more keen to get to work with these ensembles. It was clear: my motivation lies in bringing relevant innovation to concert practice. With the DNA of these ensembles, the determination of this organisation and Steven’s arrival, I can make a substantial contribution to that.”
Masa Spaan
Overall management
Managing Director Steven Cosyns brings a wealth of experience at the intersection of strategy, business management and creativity. As a commercial engineer, having graduated from the Solvay Business School, he gained experience at Unilever and Coca-Cola. He subsequently held senior management positions at organisations including DDB Brussels, DPG Media and BBDO Belgium. Later, he co-founded egghunter, a strategic and creative agency where strategy, creativity and entrepreneurship come together.
Together with Masa, Steven aims to continue building the Brussels Philharmonic of tomorrow: an organisation committed not only to artistic excellence and social relevance, but also to the development of the musicians, singers and creators of tomorrow.
“I have been following the orchestra and the choir for many years, and have always been fascinated by the unique and ambitious direction they are taking. It is a privilege to now be able to help shape that direction together with Masa, the team, the musicians and the singers. I feel both honoured and humbled to be able to help shape the next chapter of this organisation, which has so much potential.”
Steven Cosyns