TOINE THYS

Saxophonist & bass clarinet

The Brussels-based saxophonist and bass clarinetist, Toine Thys, is a central figure on the Belgian scene. This intense musician is renowned for his ability to surprise, continuously launching bold projects often where he is least expected.

Trained in the jazz tradition (New York and the Netherlands), he constantly pushes the limits of his musical comfort zone through unexpected encounters, from African music to Korean percussion. His adventures have led him to conduct a fanfare deep inside a mine in Congo, score performances by tightrope walkers on a lake, or teach music in a slum in Nairobi.

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On stage, Toine Thys has a unique sense of connection. Engaging and funny, he truly connects with the audience, carrying them along with his spontaneous and intelligent interactions. His concerts are first and foremost events of joy and musical exchange.

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As a leader, he directs the Orlando quartet with Teun Verbruggen, Florent Nisse, and Maxime Sanchez (hypnotic and poetic music). Their albums have won several major awards, including the Octave de la Musique in 2021 and the Découverte Jazzmag prize. He also co-directs the Ibiyewa trio with Beninese drummer Angelo Moustapha and guitarist Joel Rabesolo (African rhythms and electro) and has toured on five continents with the Toine Thys Trio on Hammond organ (Sam Yahel, Hervé Samb, Karl Jannuska).

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His international commitment is reflected in the co-founding of the school Les Ventistes du Faso in Burkina Faso and his collaboration with the Ghetto Classics school in Kenya. He is also a co-founder of FACIR, actively defending musicians' rights