More than 650 students from eight primary schools gathered in Leuven today for “Sing the City,” a musical event aimed at increasing student engagement with the arts. Following similar performances in Antwerp and Brussels, the initiative moved from its original planned location at the Ladeuzeplein to the cooler city park due to high temperatures.
The Sing the City event is an initiative organized by the SLAC conservatory and the non-profit organization Zuidgeluid, with the specific intent of lowering barriers for children to access musical education.
Why the event matters for student development
Organizers view the event as an essential tool for cognitive and social development. Kim Van den Brempt, director of the SLAC conservatory, stated that the initiative is designed to help children reach different cerebral zones that can “enrich and strengthen” them. By collaborating directly with primary schools, the conservatory aims to “lower the threshold” and “break down the walls” that currently prevent some children from accessing musical instruction.
Future goals for the initiative
The event is intended to be an annual fixture that grows in scope and participation. According to the organizers, there is a long-term ambition to expand the program so that by 2030, schools from across the entire region could participate. The project also maintains a connection to Leuven as a cultural capital.
The decision to relocate to a city park during a heatwave highlights the logistical challenges of hosting large-scale outdoor youth events.
What happens next
While organizers are focused on the 2030 expansion, the immediate focus remains on the students’ experience. As the festival season begins earlier than anticipated, the program will likely continue to evaluate how these musical sessions serve as a “possible opstap”—or stepping stone—for children who have not previously been reached by traditional conservatory outreach efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who organized Sing the City?
The event was organized by the SLAC conservatory in collaboration with the city and the non-profit organization Zuidgeluid.
Why was the location changed?
The event was moved from the Ladeuzeplein to the city park because of the high temperatures.
How many students participated?
More than 650 students from eight different primary schools took part in the event.
Do you believe that early exposure to music in a public, community setting is more effective than traditional classroom instruction for young children?
