WSA 2001

This inaugural ceremony marks the launch of the World Soundtrack Awards, created by the newly founded World Soundtrack Academy to promote film music worldwide. The Academy brings together over 150 members, including leading composers such as Hans Zimmer, Patrick Doyle and Rachel Portman. Its goal is to give greater recognition to composers and their work within the film industry.

Awards will be presented in several categories, including Soundtrack Composer of the Year, Discovery of the Year, Best Original Soundtrack and Best Original Song. A Public Choice Award allows film music fans to vote.

After the ceremony, the Belgian National Orchestra performs a double concert featuring works by Gabriel Yared, known for The English Patient, and Elmer Bernstein, composer of The Magnificent Seven. Both composers will conduct, with Dirk Brossé as musical advisor. The event brings together European and American film music in one stage and sets the tone for a new international tradition.

On 16 October, Praga Khan brings a different style with Falling: The Concert, where the film score is performed live alongside film footage and tracks from earlier projects. His music has appeared in films like Basic Instinct and Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. Together, these events highlight both classical film composition and contemporary electronic sound within the festival program.