Stefan Bracaval, a flutist with classical training, concluded his studies at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp in 1990. Intrigued by the expressive possibilities of improvisation from an early age, he delved into jazz, developing into a self-taught jazz flutist.

 

In 1994, he collaborated with  Ernst Vranckx to create the CD "Aquarelle," featuring his original compositions with John Ruocco & Bert Joris. The album garnered them the SABAM "Prix Nicolas Dor."  They also  aired a broadcast on Belgian radio featuring Kenny Wheeler.

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In 2007, Bracaval independently released "Insight Inside."

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Teaming up with jazz pianist Pierre Anckaert, they recorded various CDs, including "Pierre Anckaert Quintet & Brussels Chamber Orchestra" (2010), "74 miles away" (2011), "Gear Change," and the duo "Woodworks" (2014) (JazzTour LDH 2015). Their latest addition is "Ephémère" in 2023.

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As a sideman, Bracaval contributed to the works of jazz luminaries like Charles Loos, Bert Joris, and the Brussels Jazz Orchestra. He participated in diverse groups such as "Wolf in the Wood" (Anne Wolf), "Musette is not dead" (Anne Niepold), Bruno Vansina Orchestra (Jazz Middelheim 2014), and Lara Rosseel XL (Jazzmiddelheim 2021, Brandfestival 2022).

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The Stefan Bracaval QU4RTET emphasizes the flute as a jazz instrument, presenting new repertoire inspired by the jazz tradition. 

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Open to exploring diverse musical horizons, Stefan collaborated with artists from the FOLK & WORLD music scene such as José Toral, Amparo Cortés, Chano Lobato, Weshm (Najib Cherradi), Rihla (Abid Bahri & Arsis String quartet), Moufadhel Adhoum, MANdolinMAN, Jackie Oates, Robb Johnson, Fay Hield, Tim Eriksen, Martin Simpson, Nancy Kerr, Michel Godard, and Kevin Seddiki.

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He also worked with artists from the POP scene, contributing as a flute player or multi-instrumentalist for Raymond Van het Groenewoud, dEUS, Hooverphonic, Jo Lemaire, Savalas (David Poltrock), Wigbert, Catherine Delasalle, Barbara Dex, Jan de Smet, Tom Pintens, Roosbeef, Guido Belcanto, and Lilliane Saint Pierre. For Along A line,  a crossover band, he arranged  the  pop songs of Aline Goffin  for a classical chamber ensemble.

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In addition to studio sessions for FILM music and commercials, Stefan appeared in Music-Theater productions, including Muziektheater Transparant & Flemish Opera's "Koningin van de nacht" and LOD & Oxalys' "De eenzaamheid van de egel."  

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Passionate about teaching, Stefan taught Jazzflute at The Royal Conservatory of Antwerp and harmony at “Studio Herman Teirlinck”. He authored the book "Alle dagen zon!" and conceived "Krullebol," a flute method book for very young children. Currently, he teaches at the PopJazz department of the Academy in Grimbergen.

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On January 1, 2023, Stefan released the new CD "Ephémère" in collaboration with pianist Pierre Anckaert. You can listen to it on his website: https://www.stefanbracaval.com/ and on all major platforms.