Stefan Bracaval
Born: December 9, 1967, Mechelen, Belgium

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Stefan Bracaval is a classically trained flutist who completed his studies at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp in 1990. From a young age, he became fascinated by the expressive possibilities of improvisation and, largely self-taught, developed into a leading jazz flutist. His work as a leader, co-leader, and sideman has placed him at the forefront of jazz flute.

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Leader (Jazz)

Stefan Bracaval prominently places the flute in the spotlight as a jazz instrument. With his QU4RTET, he presents original compositions that explore contemporary jazz in an eclectic manner. Inspired by various influences and always seeking new forms, improvisation and musical discovery remain the core of his work. Since its formation in 2007, he has been surrounded by top musicians on guitar, double bass, and drums, elevating his compositions to an impressive musical level. Together, they create a rich, layered sound world where the flute and bass flute play a unique, central role.

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Highlights:
2007: Stefan Bracaval – Insight Inside (CD)
2008: Klara Neve – (radio broadcast)
2021: Stefan Bracaval – Video recording in the Nottebohmzaal of the Heritage Library Hendrik Conscience (with support from the Flemish Community)

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Co-Leader (Jazz)

Stefan Bracaval has collaborated with various musicians, sharing his compositions and musical vision.

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CDs and contributions (highlights):
1994: Ernst Vranckx & Stefan Bracaval – Aquarelle (CD)
1995: Ernst Vranckx & Stefan Bracaval – SABAM Prix Nicolas Dor 
1996: Ernst Vranckx, Kenny Wheeler & Stefan Bracaval – BRT Radio 3 (radio broadcast)
2010: Pierre Anckaert Quintet & Brussels Chamber Orchestra – (CD)
2014: Pierre Anckaert & Stefan Bracaval – Woodworks (CD)
2015: Les Lundis d’Hortense – Woodworks JazzTour
2016: Klara Live Odegand – Woodworks (radio broadcast)
2023: Pierre Anckaert & Stefan Bracaval – Ephémère (CD)
2025: Les Lundis d’Hortense – Ephémère JazzTour

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Sideman (Jazz)

As a sideman, Stefan Bracaval has contributed to many projects.

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CDs and contributions (highlights):
1995: Charles Loos – No Wall, No War (Jazz Ballet)
2001: Stephane Martini – Tempo Latino (CD)
2006: Zoshua – (CD)
2006: Brussels Jazz Orchestra & Bert Joris – Jeux De Vagues (as soloist, deSingel Antwerp)
2009: Brussels Jazz Orchestra & Flemish Radio Choir – Requiem Lindberg
2011: Multitude – Dog of Tehan (CD)
2011: 74 Miles Away – Melting Pot Music (CD) – Dour Festival
2012: 74 Miles Away – Elb Jazz Festival Hamburg

2012: Brussels Jazz Orchestra & Flemish Radio Choir
2013: 74 Miles Away – Gear Change (CD), ClassicBeatz – Rumors of Royalty (CD)
2014: Bruno Vansina Orchestra – Jazz Middelheim
2014: Anne Niepold – Musette is Not Dead (CD)
2015: vvolk – Book of Air (CD), Jazz Middelheim
2016: Flemish Radio Choir & Pierre Anckaert – Stefan Bracaval – Hendrik Vanattenhoven
2016: Anne Wolf – Wolf in the Wood (CD)
2020: Lara Rosseel XL – De Grote Vrouw (CD)
2021: Lara Rosseel XL – Jazz Middelheim, Antwerp
2022: Lara Rosseel Ark – Brand Festival, Nona Mechelen

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Crossover

Stefan Bracaval explores different musical horizons and has collaborated with artists from classical, folk, and world music genres.

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CDs and contributions (highlights):
1999: Amparo Cortés – Candela (CD)

2001: Weshm - Ishq  (Flanders & Jordanie Tour)
2002: José Toral & Stefan Bracaval – Sumari (Flamenco jazz project, Les Lundis d’Hortense JazzTour)
2003: José Toral & Stefan Bracaval – Sumari (Flamenco jazz project, Flemish Cultural Centers Tour)

2009: Abid Bahri - Rihla  (with Arsis String Quartet))
2012: Andries Boone – Soundtrack van de Demerbroeken (CD)
2014: Andries Boone – Als De Nacht (CD)
2017: MANdolinMAN – Unfolding the Roots (CD)
2019: Andries Boone – C.O.L.O.R.S. (CD)
2019: Jan Van Outryve, Olalla Aleman & Stefan Bracaval – Shir-hashirim
2022: Stijn Kuppens – Seven Miracles (CD)
2023: Allen Temple – Anam Na Mara (CD)
2025: Myrddin De Cauter – Sonetos del Amor Oscuro (CD)

Collaborations with various artists:
Chano Lobato, Moufadhel Adhoum, Jackie Oates, Robb Johnson, Fay Hield, Tim Eriksen, Martin Simpson, Nancy Kerr, Michel Godard, Kevin Seddiki.

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Pop

Stefan Bracaval has also collaborated with the following pop artists.

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CDs and contributions (highlights):
1997: Hooverphonic – A New Stereophonic Sound Spectacular (CD)
1999: Jo Lemaire – Piaf – Une Vie (CD & Tour )
2001: Jo Lemaire – Flagrants Délits (CD)
2006: Savalas – (CD)
2007: Miel Cools – Er Was Toch Nog Iets (CD)
2008: Wigbert – Altijd Wel Iets (CD)
2011: Raymond van het Groenewoud – De Laatste Rit (CD)
2011: dEUS – Keep You Close (CD)
2011: Raymond van het groenewoud – Tour
2013: Raymond van het Groenewoud – Live in de AB (CD, single Maanlicht)
2018: Liliane Saint Pierre – Karma (CD)
2020: Raymond van het Groenewoud – "70" Tour
2021: Guido Belcanto – De Kronkels in Mijn Hoofd (CD)
2021: De Gevleugelden – Het was een eer (CD)
2022: Raymond van het Groenewoud – "70" Tour

2024: Barbara Dex “Dex in ’t Groot’ - Tour

Collaborations with various artists:
Zwangere Guy, Catherine Delasalle, Jan De Smet, Tom Pintens, Roosbeef, Phillipe Robrecht and others.

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Arranger

Stefan Bracaval has written arrangements for:

2010: Brussels Chamber Orchestra & Pierre Anckaert Quintet – String Arrangement (CD)

2015: Barbra Streisand songbook - String arrangements
2016: Shh. – Along A Line (Crossover-pop CD)
2016: Flemish Radio Choir – With jazz trio (arrangements)

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Music Theater, Radio Play, TV & Film

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Music Theater:
2012: Music Theater Transparant & Flemish Opera – Koningin van de Nacht
2013: LOD, with Oxalys ensemble – De Eenzaamheid van de Egel

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Radio Play:
2018: Het Geluidshuis – Reinaert De Vos (CD)
2023: Het Geluidshuis – De Haan Kantekleer (CD)
2022: Het Geluidshuis – Parallel (Podcast)

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TV & Film:
1997: Man Bijt Hond (TV)
1998: Osveta (Film)

1998: Charlotje (Short-film)
2002: Alias (Film)
2006: Paard van Sinterklaas (Film)
2007: Waar Is Het Paard van Sinterklaas (Film)
2010: Kom Niet Aan Mijn Kinderen (Film)
2019: Paradise City (TV)
2020: Alles Is Zoals Het Zou Moeten Zijn (Film)

2021: Raymond ! (Docu TV)

2023: Alles is zoals het nog steeds zou moeten zijn (Film)

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Education & Pedagogical Publications

Stefan Bracaval is a respected teacher and author.

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Teacher:
Jazz Flute & Ensemble Methodology at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp; Harmony at Studio Herman Teirlinck.

Publications:
Alle Dagen Zon! (book) and Krullebol ( flute method for children (concept).

Current teaching position:
PopJazz Department at the Academy of Grimbergen.