dr Matteo Gemolo
Artistic Director CSBF
Matteo Gemolo is a researcher, musician and the visionary founder and artistic director of the Coudenberg Sound Box Fest. A specialist in bridging historical heritage with contemporary creativity, he holds a PhD in Musical Performance from Cardiff University (UK) and has been appointed as a 2026–27 IAS Fellow at the Institute of Advanced Studies (University of Surrey), Department of Music and Media. His artistic vision is defined by a commitment to cross-disciplinary dialogue, seeking to expand the reach of classical music beyond traditional boundaries and engage new audiences through meaningful, transformative experiences. This leadership was recognized in 2025 when he was selected for the REMarkable program for young artistic directors, supported by REMA (European Early Music Network).
Rooted in an elite musical background—having trained on historical flutes under the guidance of Barthold Kuijken and Frank Theuns—Gemolo is hailed as “a leading figure in the research and performance of contemporary music on period instruments” (British Flute Society). His solo discography, released on prestigious labels such as Arcana (Outhere Music), has received widespread acclaim from the specialist press. Diapason praised his 'controlled energy, yielding an objective and brilliant vision,' while RTBF-Musiq3 highlighted his 'full, warm sonority and thoughtfully crafted ornaments.'
As a scholar and author, he recently co-authored Historical Performance & New Music (Routledge, 2023). Whether on stage at the Venice Biennale or directing innovative festivals, Gemolo continues to redefine the role of the 21st-century artist as a catalyst for cultural innovation.