Luk Vaes

Luk Vaes is an artistic researcher and pianist affiliated with the Orpheus Institute and Koninklijk Conservatorium Ghent. His work bridges piano performance, artistic research, and pedagogical innovation.

• University: Orpheus Institute, Royal Conservatoire Ghent
• Academic Role: Researcher in Artistic Research (DocARTES Liaison)

Research Interests: Vaes specializes in piano performance of composed music, particularly extended techniques, historical performance practices, and the interplay between composer and performer. His collaborations with composer Hans Cafmeyer on the peyotl project aim to integrate extended techniques into pre-conservatoire pedagogy, using collaborative composition and classroom testing.

Recent Work: His 2022 publications focus on Kagel’s performance practices, Cage’s studio production, and Lachenmann’s Salut für Caudwell, emphasizing score discrepancies and performer-composer dynamics. He explores Deleuzean "stratification" in archival research and critiques the REF’s impact on practice-based scholarship.

Conferences & Projects: Vaes actively participates in ANPPOM and other international events, discussing the future of artistic research in Europe. His HIPEX project reconstructs historical practices for Kagel’s unfinished works.