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Mol Percussion Orchestra

Mol Percussion Orchestra originated from the percussion course given at the Music Academy in Mol in 1972. The occasional orchestra named 'Mols percussie ensemble' regularly performed at several regional places. In 1974 the orchestra performed on BRT, the national broadcasting station. Four years later a classical L.P. was recorded and the ensemble performed at the Festival van Vlaanderen. The foreign success of the ensemble became larger when 4 singles with modern percussion music were recorded.

Since 1982 the name changed in 'Mol Percussion Orchestra' with only professional percussionists. They performed in major concert halls and on renowned festivals: 1993, opening concert Antwerp Cultural Capital of Europe; 1995, memorial concert Bartók and Orff organized by Radio 3; 1999, concert on the festival 'Nocturne of Beloeil'; 2000/2001, performances on the 'Brussels Summer Festival'; 2000, opening concert of the international music contest 'Tromp muziekbiënnale' in Eindhoven (NL); 2001, gala performance of the 'International marimba-percussion festival' in Hasselt; 2002, performance in the concert hall of Bruges for 'Bruges 2002', ...

At present the orchestra consists of 6 members who put a high value on professionalism, quality, friendship and musical joy! Combining rhythmical and melodious percussion instruments and under the artistic direction of Leo Ouderits, they create a unique orchestra(l) sound. Mol Percussion Orchestra plays both original, contemporary and serious music as well as arrangements on classical themes. The musicians are always in search of renewal and try to make percussion music accessible to the general public.

The musicians

All of them studied at the Royal Flemish Music Conservatory in Antwerp or at the Lemmensinstituut in Louvain. There they gained different diplomas,prizes and distinctions while they were taught by teachers like Louis Cauberghs, Theo Mertens and Leo Ouderits.

Leo Ouderits regularly works in different recording studios as a percussionist. Moreover he assisted in several radio and television programmes. For a long time he was a guest teacher at the Académie Internationale d'Eté de Wallonie. At present he teaches percussion, chamber music and didactics at the Lemmensinstituut in Louvain and is associated to the Royal Flemish Music Conservatory in Antwerp where he teaches percussion. 
 
Frans Tielemans taught percussion at the music academies in Maasmechelen and Borgerhout for more than 20 years. For a long time he was a guest teacher at the Lemmensinstituut in Louvain where he taught percussion and chamber music. At the moment he is the director of the Music Academy in Boom. Additionally he plays the drums in the 2440 Big Band, directed by Peter Luypaers. 
 
Luc Goos experienced his first love for his instrument in the local brass band. He teaches various percussion subjects at the Municipal Music Conservatory in Hasselt and at the Municipal Music Academy in Geel. Furthermore he regularly composes for his students and often performs as freelance percussionist in various ensembles. 
 
Rudy Van der Veken is associated to the Opera for Flanders as a percussion soloist since 1983. Now he is a solo timpanist at the Flemish Opera. Regularly he composes and arranges music for percussion orchestras and vocal groups. He recently composed theater music. Besides Rudy regularly perfoms as a freelance percussionist. 
 
Walter Mertens's musical career started in 1983 as a prize winner of the Axion Classics Contest organized by Dexia Bank. At present he teaches percussion and chamber music at the Music Academy in Schoten. In addition to playing music and teaching, composing becomes increasingly important. Walter has written about 60 pieces of music already. The largest part of these are written for educational purpouses, yet also pieces for small ensembles and chants are part of his oeuvre.

Tim Ouderits studied at the Conservatory Antwerp after he completed the basic education at the Music Academy in Mol. He obtained the degree Master in Music in percussion and chamber music. As a percussion teacher, he is associated to  the Music Academies of Geel and Mol. He won the National Competition Axion Classics of Dexia Bank in 1994 and became laureate of the Young Talent Competition in 1992. Tim performs regularly in a number of Flemish orchestras as a freelance percussionist.