Purchase Against Time, Furia, and Valse de mon frère together and receive a special bundled price here.
Valse de mon frère evokes the unmistakable atmosphere of Montmartre: intimate, nostalgic and slightly whimsical. With a flowing waltz rhythm, the music tansports us to late-night Paris, where music seems to drift effortlessly from a nearby café. As the pace quickens, the accordeon soloists emerge sending us into a lively trot through old Parisian streets. Slowing down towards the end, the night comes to a gentle close, leaving us with the warmth of shared moments and memories. At its heart, Valse de mon frère is about connection between people, places and memories. It carries a sense of familiarity and shared experience, with moments that are both playful and sentimental. The waltz was once played between two brothers, and perhaps that is where its warmth comes from.
Belgian composer, accordionist and multi-instrumentalist Ivan Smeulders (1974) is recognised as one of Belgium’s most versatile musicians. Classically trained on the accordion at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp, he has developed a distinctive musical voice that effortlessly bridges classical music, jazz, world music, folk traditions and contemporary styles. Throughout his career, his curiosity and openness to diverse musical influences have shaped a rich musical journey. As both performer and composer, Smeulders has collaborated with numerous leading artists and ensembles. He is widely known for his long-standing musical partnership with Belgian singer Bart Peeters. As arranger, producer and musical director, his work extend to theatre, film and television. His own projects showcase his passion for expressive melodies, rhythmic vitality and colourful instrumental textures. Ivan Smeulders’ compositions are characterised by their accessibility, emotional depth and inventive orchestration. Whether writing for chamber ensembles, concert bands or solo instruments, his music combines technical craftsmanship with expressive lyricism and colourful orchestration.
Els De Sadeleer (1992) is a Belgian composer, music educator, clarinetist, and percussionist. She began her musical journey at the August De Boeck Academy in Asse. Soon Els performed with the local wind band—first on clarinet and later as a percussionist. With her unique blend of personal expression and solid theoretical knowledge, Els creates music that speaks to a wide audience. Her passion for composition began at an early age, sparked by playful experimentation with music notation software. That early curiosity blossomed into a deep commitment to the craft, leading her to study at LUCA School of Arts, Campus Lemmens. There, she earned a Master’s in Music Pedagogy, a Bachelor’s in Composition, and a teaching degree, studying under composers Jeroen D’Hoe and Pieter Schuermans. As a seasoned arranger, Els has shown her aptitude for HaFaBra. Her experience in arranging nurtured her technical skills and led to a whole scala of original compositions. She composes for a wide range of ensembles, including wind bands, choirs, solo instruments, and chamber groups. Her works are known for their craftsmanship and joy of performance—music that is both rewarding to play and engaging to hear.
