Commissioned by Fanfare Kempenbloei Achel, in celebration of its 150th anniversary, Twist of Fate is a vibrant and heartfelt solo work for trumpet and fanfare orchestra. Written for one of the most distinguished fanfare orchestras in Belgium and the Netherlands, the piece is both a tribute and a personal tale—a fusion of celebration and intimacy. At its core, Twist of Fate tells a story of rekindled love, tracing the emotional journey of reunion and rediscovery. The opening unfolds like a lush Italian love song—warm, lyrical, and romantic—echoeing themes of tender vulnerability. As the music evolves, a sudden shift brings us into a vibrant, rhythmically intricate second part colored by bright textures and an unmistakable Asian influence, evoking the meeting of two worlds. Rather than simply juxtaposing styles, Wim Bex skillfully weaves these cultural influences into a compelling musical dialogue—a celebration of unity and harmony born from difference. The title, Twist of Fate, alludes to the unlikely yet beautiful convergence of two distant lives, brought together once more by love’s resilient hand. At one moment exhilarating and at another deeply moving, Twist of Fate is a tribute to the magic of second chances and the music that binds us beyond borders.
Wim Bex (1977) is a Belgian bass trombonist and composer whose deep-rooted understanding of orchestral music and imaginative voice make his works a pleasure to perform and hear. Since the beginning of his musical journey in 2008, he has quickly gained recognition for his craftsmanship, expressiveness, and instrumental insight. As a professional bass trombonist, Wim has performed with every major symphony orchestra in Belgium, as well as with leading brass bands, big bands, and chamber ensembles. His performance experience directly informs his compositional style, resulting in music that is both idiomatic and artistically engaging. His debut composition, Vademecum for Bass Trombone, was an immediate success. Showcasing his intimate knowledge of the instrument and innate compositional talent, the work has been performed by numerous international trombonists and is now considered part of the standard repertoire. Building on this success, Wim has written compelling solo pieces for trumpet, euphonium, bass tuba, and other instruments. A self-taught composer, Wim approaches each rehearsal and performance as a learning opportunity, honing his skills by listening deeply. His passion for music resonates through every piece he writes, offering performers and audiences alike a truly rewarding musical experience.
