Residentie in Sharjah

Over the coming years, SPECTRA is strengthening its commitment to international artistic residencies in higher education institutions. These residencies form an essential part of the ensemble's mission to foster international exchange, collaboration and the sharing of artistic knowledge. Drawing on its extensive experience in the performance of contemporary music, SPECTRA offers masterclasses, lectures and coaching sessions for emerging composers and performers. Working closely with students, the ensemble supports the development of individual compositional voices while sharing insights into the many facets of today's contemporary music practice. Each residency culminates in concerts featuring new works by students and faculty members, alongside music by leading Flemish composers. In late October 2026, SPECTRA travels to Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, for its first residency at the University of the Arts Sharjah – Academy of Performing Arts. Conceived as the beginning of a long-term partnership, the residency will include masterclasses, lectures and concerts featuring music by Salvatore Sciarrino, Kaija Saariaho, José María Sánchez-Verdú, Luc Brewaeys, Frank Nuyts and Daan Janssens.