Eighteen-year-old Anicet Adeyemi from St-Gilles takes center stage as a soloist at the Klarafestival, set to take place from March 20 to 30 across various concert halls in Brussels. Klarafestival is joining forces with its partner KPMG in Belgium and the Brussels children's choir Equinox, which works with children from vulnerable neighborhoods. On March 22, Anicet will make her solo debut at Bozar, performing Pilgrims, a new creation by pianist Julien Libeer and composer Fabian Fiorin.
Guided by the theme 'Art is for everyone, yet the road to it is not always easy', KPMG and Klarafestival, together with the Brussels choir Equinox, are organizing the remarkable performance Pilgrims. It is one of KPMG's social initiatives to help young talent in Belgium develop their full potential, in collaboration with a strong, locally anchored partner such as Klarafestival.
2,000 children
The Equinox choir was founded in 2012 in collaboration with a Brussels shelter to provide children from socially vulnerable backgrounds with access to music. Later, auditions were held in schools across Brussels, allowing even more children to join. Through the opportunity to sing together in the choir, more than 2,000 children and youngsters have discovered how much fun it is to make music together. They are discovering their talents, broadening their horizons and gaining greater self-confidence.
Soloist Anicet Adeyemi shares: "Music and the choir have played a huge role in my personal growth. I used to be bullied at school, but the choir was a place where I could think about something else and be myself again. It allowed me to catch my breath. The choir is like a family to me. It helped me build more self-confidence, overcome that difficult time and gave me a chance to have fun with people my age."
For Anicet, it all begain in a humble setting - in the shower, where she would sing freely. At that time, the world of classical music was still completely unfamiliar to her.
“I never dreamed that I would one day be part of such a wonderful project. I was only eight years old when I started, so I had no expectations. Certainly not that being a member of this choir would turn my life around so much.”
"I didn’t recognize my own singing talent at first, I was more into R&B. But when I auditioned for the choir, I discovered my potential as a singer. Gradually, I started to develop my voice and I discovered new things and places. I have always said that singing was more of a hobby for me. I want to finish my pharmacy studies first, so that I have a degree, and then see if I can still make music on the side.
“I'm a little nervous because I don't want to make any mistakes, because I'm a perfectionist. I like things to be just right. But I’m also very excited. I have so much energy, I have so much passion. So I'm very happy," concludes soloist Anicet Adeyemi with a smile.
Developing potential in the office and in the world of music
Klarafestival's social projects have been made possible through a decade-long partnership with KPMG in Belgium. By collaborating with strong, locally rooted organizations, KPMG aims to help young Belgian talent reach their full potential—both in the workplace and in the arts, as well as on the race track. For instance, since 2020, KPMG has partnered with Flanders Classics to promote women’s cycling under the initiative Closing the Gap, investing in young cyclists and driving the sustainable professionalization of the sport. KPMG shares Klarafestival's commitment to supporting young talent and empowering the next generation.
Stefanie Pauwels, Partner at KPMG in Belgium, explains: “Our mission is to help young talents claim their place at the top. Our message is clear: the future is yours, and we are here to support your development and talents. With Klarafestival, we share a common determination to create a lasting, positive impact on society. Anicet Adeyemi's solo performance at the festival is a powerful example of connection, the pursuit of dreams and making a difference."
European visibility
For the Brussels children's choir Equinox, performing at Klarafestival is a milestone that will bring them international attention.
Zeno Popescu, director of the Equinox choir, explains: "The Klarafestival is like our Champions League, a turning point in the history of our choir. We are no longer an anonymous choir that has to create its own projects in churches and small halls. This platform will give us visibility on a national and even European level. And that is fantastic, as it will attract new local and promising talent to strengthen our ranks. Klarafestival and KPMG in Belgium are preparing both the cultural and business world for a future in which culture, rooted in hard work and artistic perfectoin, contributes to a more compassionate world with a greater appreciation for beauty."
Music festival across borders
Klarafestival celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. It is a unifying music festival with cross-pollinations between different musical genres and art forms. Klarafestival is a unique ecosystem of Brussels concert halls, broadcasters, government and the business world. Through a decade-long partnership with KPMG Belgium, the festival has grown from 10 to 25 concerts, and this year, a record-breaking 18,000+ visitors are expected. Klarafestival wants to strengthen its position as Belgium’s largest classical music festival while expanding its international reach for even greater impact.
About KPMG in Belgium
With 2,000 employees across the country, KPMG in Belgium offers your company personalized and multidisciplinary support in audit, accountancy, tax and legal advice. We also support a wide range of management services: from operational efficiency and cost management, to digital transformations, risk management and deal advice. Our local consultants will support you thanks to their knowledge and through the use of innovative tools to help you face each of your challenges.
About Klarafestival
Klarafestival – Belgium's biggest classical music festival, entirely broadcasted on Klara radio. Every year in March.
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