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Babette Craens
Babette Craens (°1998) is a Belgian classical pianist whose artistic work centres on solo recital and concept-driven concertprograms. Through carefully curated performances, she explores the poetic potential of sound, creating unexpected dialogues between historical repertoire and contemporary music.
At the heart of her artistic work lies a genuine curiosity for the many ways in which music can transform the act of listening.
Critics have praised her poetic imagination, refined jeu perlé and exceptional sensitivity for nuance, qualities that continue to shape her concept-driven recital work.
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Solo & Chambermusic
"I have always admired Babette as someone who approaches music with exceptional intelligence and integrity, which has always resulted in interesting, deeply felt performances. Her piano playing is technically refined and always grounded in a deep stylistic awareness."
-Aäron Wajnberg
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Solo recital provides the primary framework for Babette Craens' artistic work. Through carefully curated concert programs, she seeks to create immersive listening experiences in which a diversity of repertoire enters into dialogue. Her performances are characterised by a refined sense of colour, atmosphere and narrative, inviting audiences into imagination and attentive listening.
Recognised early as one of Belgium's promising young pianists, Babette Craens made her orchestral debut at the age of seventeen, performing Beethoven's First Piano Concerto at Amuz. She was subsequently awarded Second Prize at the Steinway Competition Belgium and featured as Young Talent by multiple festivals including Ervin Schiffer International Music Masterclasses (Hungary), Pianofest and Arte Amanti.
While solo recital forms the heart of her artistic practice, Babette's collaborations stem from an openness to artistic dialogue and a genuine curiosity for new perspectives. Whether in chamber music, Lied or interdisciplinary projects, these encounters continue to enrich and deepen her artistic voice.
Recent projects include Le Faux Miroir, a concept-driven recital inspired by René Magritte's painting of the same name, and the acclaimed album Lacunes with soprano Fleur Strijbos, released on Etcetera Records and featured three times as Klara's Choice on Klara Radio. She has performed at venues including deSingel, Bozar, De Bijloke, AMUZ, Miry Concertzaal and Muziekgebouw Eindhoven, and regularly collaborates with organisations such as Muziektheater Transparant and Zonzo Compagnie.
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Background
Raised in a musical family, Babette began her piano studies at a young age with Heidi Hendrickx and Levente Kende.
At 17, she was admitted to the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp, where she studied with Sergei Edelman and Eliane Rodrigues, under the guidance of Jozef De Beenhouwer.
She completed both her Bachelor and Master degrees magna cum laude.
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Lied
"It is an interplay underpinned by Craens’ subtle sense of rubato and flexibility.
She breathes and phrases in perfect harmony with the vocal line, constantly anticipating the breathing, timing and enunciation of the text."
- Opus Klassiek
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The Liedgenre plays a central role in Babette's artistic work. She has been praised by leading pianists in this field including Malcolm Martineau, Roger Vignoles, Hans Eijsackers, Susan Manoff and Aäron Wajnberg.
Since 2018, she has formed a duo with mezzo-soprano Herlinde Van de Straete, with whom she gave a debut recital in 2025 at Miry Concert Hall. They were selected for the Udo Reinemann Masterclasses for the 2024-2025 season.
Since 2022, she has also collaborated closely with soprano Fleur Strijbos. Their duo has been selected for several international competitions, is featured in the Vrienden van het Lied artist database, and has performed at venues including Lied Festival Zeist as well as recording for Klara radio - highlighting the duo's growing international recognition.
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