معرفی
Luk Vaes is a Research Fellow at the Orpheus Research Centre and Coordinator of the docARTES doctoral program for artists at the Orpheus Institute and Royal Conservatoire (KC) in The Hague. With a doctorate from Leiden University (2009), his academic career bridges high-level performance practice with rigorous artistic research.
His research focuses on artistic research methodology, piano performance practices, and extended piano techniques, with particular expertise in Mauricio Kagel's experimental music. Vaes leads the HIPEX research project investigating historical performance practices of experimental music and the 'peyotl' project developing age-appropriate extended techniques repertoire for children in collaboration with composer Hans Cafmeyer.
Analysis of his recent publications reveals a consistent thread connecting historical research with practical application in performance and education. His work spans musicology, performance studies, and pedagogy, with particular emphasis on bridging the gap between scholarly research and artistic practice in contemporary music contexts.
- First prizes in several international piano competitions
- Nine international prizes for recordings of Mauricio Kagel's piano works
- Significant contributions to understanding extended piano techniques through both performance and scholarly research
- Development of innovative pedagogical approaches for teaching experimental techniques to children
As coordinator of the docARTES program, Vaes mentors doctoral candidates in artistic research, emphasizing the integration of practical performance with theoretical inquiry. His supervision approach values historical context, technical precision, and innovative methodologies that respect the dual nature of artistic research. The 'peyotl' project exemplifies this integration, combining collaborative composition, classroom testing, and multimedia publication to address a gap in children's piano education.
His laboratory work through the HIPEX project investigates historical performance practices of experimental music, focusing on works from the 1960s, unfinished Kagel pieces, and iconic solo instrument works. This research involves consulting composers and historical performers to develop transhistorical performance approaches that respect both historical context and contemporary performance needs.
