Composer Philip Busmans dies Standard

“We want Philip to be remembered for his humanity, his great sense of humor and his generosity,” says de Calloy. He has served as a sound board for three successive Munt directors, and has never been short of commenting constructively on the programming of our house, for which he made several original suggestions. He counted his opinion, as a friend and professional, and we will miss him dearly.

Boesmans was born in Tongeren in 1936. He studied piano at the Conservatory of Liege, but focused on composition. He worked as a producer for RTBF, notably the program Troisième (now Musiq’3): the first classic radio station in French-speaking Belgium. In 1983 made with La Passion de GillesHis first title at the opera de Montt. In 1985 he started working as a music composer.

At first under the direction of director Gerard Mortier, then under Bernard Foukraul and finally under de Calloy, he performed several operas. Boesmans was still active as an author. With director and scriptwriter Richard Brunel putting the finishing touches on it On cleansing baby, a comedy inspired by the farce of George Video, which will premiere at De Munt in December. Boesmans has also composed chamber music and symphonic works. His works have been awarded, among others, the Prix Italia for “Upon La-Mi” (1971) and the Prix Honegger Prize (2000).

De Munt wishes the relatives of the Boesmans a lot of strength. It seems that “De Munt will quietly honor him with music.”