Lennert Van Laenen (20) was born into a musical family, as his mother played in a brass band her whole life. As a young boy, he often accompanied her to concerts which is where his passion for brass bands, percussion and composition was born. When Lennert was 15 years old, he had the opportunity to join the percussion section of the renowned Brass Band Willebroek. Being part of this band really sparked his interest in composing and encouraged him to start writing his own music. His first piece was published and since then, composing has become his favourite hobby. In 2024, Lennert’s piece Red Planet came third in the European Composers Competition in Palanga, an experience that motivates him to keep exploring and creating music. For the past three years, Lennert has been studying classical percussion at LUCA School of Arts in Leuven, Belgium.
Echoes is a tone poem for brass band. The piece begins with a three-note motif that serves as the main thread throughout the work. These three notes are echoed throughout the composition, constantly placed in new contexts to create striking contrasts. After a calm middle section, the piece gradually builds in tempo and dynamics toward the conclusion, with the motif passing through the band several more times before the end. Although Echoes doesn’t follow a specific story, Lennert’s composition describes the thoughts of a person and how these thoughts float around in their mind… how beautiful and calming they can be, but also how wild and destructive they can become.
You can find out more about Lennert and his work on his Instagram channel.
