Dear music lover, 

We want to thank you. Over the past year we have set a record together. And that after a particularly long and difficult Covid period. Never before has AB received so many visitors, 343,086 to be exact. 

Words don’t do justice to our delight and gratitude at your confidence in us. 

So was this year in which the famous ‘intense urge to party’ (caused by covid restrictions) fully manifested itself or is there more to it? Is it the uncertain times with appalling news that crashes over us in waves? Then maybe we’re a concert venue that can offer an escape route from that surreal reality. 

Also in 2023, we sorrowfully saw the further decline of our climate. An other equally lamentable basso continuo proved to be the conflict in Ukraine, currently without end. Unfortunately the same goes for the too often forgotten conflicts in Yemen, Syria, East Congo, Somalia, …  And then there’s that other smouldering hotbed in the Middle East too, that (suddenly?) flared up again with unprecedented horror as a result. 

So, for 2024, there are only two – albeit ambitious – pressing wishes we have: let the senseless bloodshed stop NOW and let’s work together on a resolute approach to combatting further global warming. 

Establishing world peace and solving the climate problem, we at AB can’t do that. Unfortunately. But we can make a positive contribution by offering points of light in that darkness. And you have apparently appreciated that, more than ever. That light is a composition of all the colours of the rainbow, just as we can only shine through the interplay of a competent top team and fantastic artists from home and abroad who love to perform at AB, time and time again. There is the Flemish government that provides us with sufficient resources to do so, a board of directors that backs us up, and – last but not least – an hugely enthusiastic crew of volunteers and casual staff who make this house shine! I want to explicitly commend those people here too. 

Again in 2024, we are eager to brighten your days. Nothing better in times of polarisation than an intense sense of belonging in your favourite concert venue, with your favourite artists! 

With all of that , I would like to express my hope that we refresh ourselves regularly with the bright spots in 2024. If 350,000 people take that on as a new resolution, then surely it will make a difference… right? 

A warm wish for 2024, 

On behalf of the entire AB Team, 

Tom Bonte, managing director