Aram Van Ballaert

BIO

After several collaborations with renowned ensembles and orchestras I decided to build out a solo career as a classical guitarist.

In co-operation with the Belgian national radio station, Klara, I released 2 solo albums: Danza (2002) and TRI (2005). I recorded music from South America, Eastern Europe and Russia. These compositions and other adventurous guitar music brought me to the Middle East, Africa, China and several countries in Europe.

Together with the Argentinian bandoneonist Alfredo Marcucci (1929-2010) I have played many performances of the double concerto by Astor Piazzolla. We toured in Belgium, the Netherlands, Bulgaria and Ukraine.

Since 2012 I have been working on several soundtracks for television and film: Quiz Me Quick (2012), Vriendinnen (2014), Iedereen Duivel (2014), Ay Ramon (2015), Wakkere Nachten (2018), Dag Sinterklaas (2019), Koning Kabberdas (2021). This was a great opportunity to work with directors as Jan Matthys, Stijn Coninx and Cecilia Verheyden.

As a pop musician I’ve played with Novastar, Neeka, Anton Walgrave and Ronny Mosuse. We had loads of concerts in Belgium and the Netherlands: indoors (AB Brussels, Paradiso, Sportpaleis…) as well as on festivals (Pinkpop, Pukkelpop, Cactus…).

Since 2008 I am the drummer in the Clement Peerens Explosition and I’m regularly performing with the actresses Tine Embrechts and Karlijn Sileghem.

With the program ‘Nylon and Steel’ I am, surrounded by 5 different guitars, visiting a dozen Flemish cultural centers (2018-2022).

As a musician it is wonderful to share experiences and insights with new generations, therefore I am a driven pedagogue at several schools.

• Louvain University College of Arts (1998-2022)

• Lemmens Arts Highschool

• Conservatory of Mechelen

It is a privilege to guide students in their search for a way to express or transcend themselves through music.