Welcome to the new season
During the annual season launch, artistic coordinator and jazz & global programmer Jaïr Tchong and Young Ears programmer Evelien De Jaeger looked back on their first season as an artistic duo. They also provided a detailed insight into the direction Ha Concerts intends to take in the coming years, featuring a selection of their favourites from among the new acts.
Their story made one thing clear: Ha wants to be more than just a concert hall.
Music as a shared experience
One of the key insights from the past season emerged from Fire Walk With Me, the collaboration between Ha and NTGent. The project culminated in a public fire ritual in Coyendanspark, where music, ritual and community came together in a shared experience centred on farewells and new beginnings.
For Ha, the project confirmed how music can have an impact not only artistically, but also socially and as a unifying force. This is an idea that is becoming increasingly central to the company’s artistic direction.
That’s when we saw how music truly comes into its own in a ritual context, in a public space, in front of a large audience. It was all about presence, time and shared experience.
A new direction
What stands out about Jaïr after that first season is the expansion of what jazz can be, including a curiosity about contemporary African jazz and other high-calibre global influences. Think of African guitar virtuosos such as Bassekou Kouyaté and Adedeji and the South African drummer Tumi Mogorosi - who blew us all away. A special moment was the almost ritualistic concert by Ibelisse Guardia Ferragutti and Frank Rosaly, which was later also picked up by Brussels Jazz.
For Evelien, Bries (3+) was the perfect example of how Ha also aims to serve as a development platform. Anke Verslype’s nursery performance originated from an initial brainstorming session in the foyer of Ha and, together with 4Hoog, developed into a meditative musical experience for young children.
“In an age of audiovisual overload, Bries is a masterstroke.
Recensent Bries
Also new formats and collaborations such as the Late Thursdays at S.M.A.K., the atmospheric Ha'jams at KASK and the Re:Context series as a forum for discussions on music and society, will continue into the new season.
Highlights '26-'27
Now for the new names! Jaïr has already mentioned a few international stars, such as:
- Eliades Ochoa – he’s bringing Buena Vista Social Club classics to Ghent.
- Fred Wesley — an absolute legend in the world of funk and soul jazz, with James Brown among his notable collaborations.
- Vijay Iyer – a virtuoso and thinker who is currently reaching the very heights of jazz, performing solo on the piano.
But add to that discoveries such as the GRAMMY-worthy Sara Correa – who is ushering fado into a new era – lively Norwegian jazz by Telehiv and the incredibly poetic world of double bass playerKham Meslien.
When I saw the names for next season, there were a few that immediately struck me: this feels right today. This is truly Ha.
As programmer Evelien says. Be sure to check out this selection of wonderful music for her too:
- Ão - raw songs with a Portuguese edge, truly authentic and a voice that stays with you.
- Zap Mama, together with her daughter K.ZIA – a generational leap that is winning hearts.
- HiHats In Trees – The new groove-filled project by drummer Lander Gyselinck (STUFF., BeraadGeslagen).
- Uma Chine Trio – a vocal gem: subtle, multi-layered, delicate.
And what about the Young Ears?
The family section Jonge Oren continues to grow. Evelien emphasised how important it is for Ha to take children seriously as an audience.
Children are often capable of much more than we give them credit for.
With initiatives such as the series Tiny Tunes — where little ones can get a taste of grown-up music, followed by a meal — and the ever-cheerful aHa! festival during the spring half-term holidays, Ha continues to focus on deepening young listeners’ musical appreciation — without compromising on complexity or artistic quality.
Some of the highlights of the family shows:
- For the little ones: the enchanting world of Nekandinskie (ages 1–3) or the infectious, absurd rhythms of Re:Beat (3+).
- For the more adventurous: children’s cabaret with Solo (4+) , body percussion during Soleo (5+) or the witty musical Oh oh oh dennenboom (6+).
Introducing: our new resident artist Haroun Iqbal
He perfectly embodies what Ha stands for: openness, curiosity and artistic development.
His residency won’t just be visible on stage (check out his heart-wrenching performance at Boomtown or his long-awaited album release): together with Ha, he has also started a public correspondence on topics such as the role of the artist today and the impact of streaming on music. Here is the first exchange:
#Story
Letter 1 ✨ Introducing resident artist Haroun Iqbal
See you soon?
Well then, shall we see you in our venues soon? For a wonderful concert with friends, or with the children, or both. Have a browse through the updated concert calendar and who knows, alongside the familiar names, you might just stumble upon a little adventure.
Our ultimate aim is for this building to serve as a hub for anyone with a curiosity about adventurous music.
