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Belgium

 

Steve Houben is a renowned Belgian jazz musician and composer who has made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. Born on March 2, 1950, in Verviers, Belgium, Houben grew up in a family of musicians. His father was a violinist, and his mother was a pianist. Houben started playing the flute at the age of nine and quickly developed a passion for music. Houben's musical journey began when he joined the Royal Conservatory of Liège, where he studied classical music. He later moved to Brussels, where he continued his studies at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. During his time in Brussels, Houben discovered jazz music and became fascinated by its improvisational nature. He started playing jazz and soon became a sought-after musician in the Belgian jazz scene. In 1976, Houben formed his own jazz quartet, which included Michel Herr on piano, Jean-Louis Rassinfosse on bass, and Bruno Castellucci on drums. The quartet quickly gained popularity and started performing at major jazz festivals across Europe. In 1978, Houben released his first album, "Flute Fever," which received critical acclaim and established him as a leading jazz flutist. Over the years, Houben has collaborated with many renowned jazz musicians, including Chet Baker, Toots Thielemans, and Philip Catherine. He has also performed with several symphony orchestras, including the Brussels Philharmonic and the Orchestre National de Belgique. In addition to his career as a performer, Houben is also a prolific composer. He has written music for films, television, and theater productions. His compositions have been performed by various orchestras and ensembles, including the Brussels Philharmonic and the National Orchestra of Belgium. Houben's contributions to the world of classical music have been recognized with several awards and honors. In 1996, he was awarded the title of "Knight of the Order of Leopold" by the Belgian government for his contributions to Belgian culture. In 2005, he received the "Sabam Award for Culture" for his outstanding achievements in the field of music. One of Houben's most significant performances was his collaboration with the Brussels Philharmonic in 2010. The concert, titled "Jazz Meets the Symphony," featured Houben's compositions arranged for a symphony orchestra. The concert was a huge success and was later released as a live album. Houben continues to perform and compose music to this day. He is also a dedicated music educator and has taught at several music schools and conservatories in Belgium. His contributions to the world of classical music have made him a beloved figure in the Belgian music scene and beyond.

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