Ziggy Sunaert

Ziggy Sunaert (°2006)

Ziggy Sunaert is a composer and musician with experience across multiple instruments. He has been playing the viola and violin for fourteen years and since 2021–2022 he has focused primarily on viola at MUDA Evergem (KSO), where he studied under Paul Klinck.

Alongside his main studies, he has also trained in bass guitar, cello, piano and saxophone at the Academy for Performing Arts Utopia in Aalst. His experience with a wide range of instruments gives him a deep understanding of how they function, enabling him to compose music that is both technically engaging and rewarding for performers.

His passion for music began at a young age, inspired by his brother, who sang in the Shola Cantorum Cantate Domino choir conducted by David De Geest while attending SMI Aalst. At just eight years old, Ziggy was accepted into the choir as a soprano—an exceptional opportunity for someone so young.

In 2019, after completing a year of music theory, he began studying composition with Maarten Van Ingelgem at Utopia. He was particularly drawn to analyzing and deconstructing musical works to understand their structure and he finds even greater excitement in creating his own compositions. He is currently studying Composition at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp, with his main focus in game and film music under the guidance of Bram van Camp and Mathias Coppens.

Over the years, he has built an extensive portfolio that includes works for orchestra, chamber ensembles and professional groups such as the Hermes Ensemble. He has also composed music for several short films and games.

Despite his strong focus on composition, Ziggy remains an active and dedicated performer. He served as principal viola of SOV Young and was selected to perform with the professional Symfonieorkest Vlaanderen for a cross-over project. In addition, he has reinforced ensembles including the Cluster Philharmonic of LUCA School of Arts in Leuven and the Oost-Vlaams Kamerorkest. Together with his mentor, Amaryllis Sweetlove Bartholomeus, is he preparing to begin a bachelor’s degree in viola alongside his master’s studies in composition.