Luc Ponet – Artistic Director

Luc Ponet is the titular organist of the Basilica in Tongeren, guest professor (organ) at LUCA School of Arts – Campus Lemmens, and city organist of Leuven (Leuven Orgelstad). This city is now a prominent member of ECHO (European Cities of Historical Organs), the network of European cities with historic organs, where he also serves as one of the artistic directors.

Over the years, Luc Ponet has gained international recognition as a concert organist and has performed in Europe, the United States, South America, Mexico, the Philippines, Australia, Russia, Japan, and soon in South Africa as well. His repertoire preferences include the organ works, cantatas, and oratorios of Johann Sebastian Bach, French Baroque music (from the 16th century to the French Revolution), and, naturally, the music from the former Prince-Bishopric of Liège (organ and orchestral works). As a researcher, he is affiliated with the University of Leuven (KU Leuven), where he is preparing a doctoral dissertation (PhD) on the Tongeren Organ Manuscript (1626) and the practice of organists in the Prince-Bishopric of Liège in the first half of the 17th century. After many years as the artistic director of the Bach Academy Alden Biesen (choir and orchestra, on period instruments) and artistic director of the Intra Muros Festival, Luc Ponet is currently the artistic director and driving force behind Baroque & more.

His CD recordings – including those for Naxos, R. Gailly, Pavane, and Etcetera – are entirely in line with these interests and have received worldwide critical acclaim.