Thibaut De Bondt is Belgium’s first professionally trained baritone horn player. He studies at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp, where he is taught by renowned instructors such as Kevin Van Giel and Lode Violet. His musical journey, however, began at a young age, when he started learning the cornet under Frans Violet at the Academy of Willebroek. At the age of sixteen, he made the switch to the baritone horn - and it was love at first sight.
“That’s my passion. I have already done some teaching with children and want to inspire them to enjoy everything about music — and especially brass band music. I have been so very lucky and have been taught by people such as Kevin who have inspired me, so I want to do that with others.”
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Just a few months after making this transition, Thibaut won first prize in the then well-known soloist competition of the English Fodens Brass Band, in the 16–21 age category. Shortly thereafter, he added the provincial Vlamo Soloist Competition in Antwerp to his list of achievements. His years of study at the conservatory were marked by further successes, including a second prize at the Italian Gran Premio di Povoletto.
The pinnacle of his young career came in 2023, when he won the European Soloist Competition in Malmö. This prestigious competition, held as part of the European Brass Band Championships, has been won by a Belgian candidate only four times since its inception. Since then, he has become an artist for the renowned instrument maker Besson and mouthpiece manufacturer Denis Wick.
In addition to his solo achievements, Thibaut is a permanent member of Brass Band Willebroek, where he holds the position of solo baritone (and in their regular pub, he usually occupies the second bar stool from the right).
Thibaut’s interests extend beyond performance alone; composing music became a new challenge he embraced during his studies at the conservatory. He wrote his own concerto, which he performed as part of his bachelor’s recital, as well as a work for brass quartet and one piece for wind band, performed by the Royal Belgian Guides.
His ambition, however, extends beyond the stage. He wants to bring the baritone more into the spotlight, so that others can follow in his footsteps and see a professional career as an achievable goal. To realize this, there would be no greater privilege for him than recording a solo CD with his beloved Brass Band Willebroek, filled with new repertoire that showcases all facets of the baritone.
In addition to his own musical career, Thibaut is committed to nurturing the next generation of baritone players. He teaches at the academies in Willebroek, Mortsel, and Brasschaat, guiding young (and occasionally slightly older) talent on their musical journey.
