The book "100 Years of Harmonie Vooruit in 100 Objects" was written by researchers Dr. Elwin Hofman, a postdoctoral researcher and trombonist with the orchestra, and Leendert Acke, a teaching assistant and trumpet player. Both historians are affiliated with the Department of Cultural History since 1750 at KU Leuven.
The book features one hundred objects that illuminate various aspects of the orchestra. Each object—photo, object, testimony, etc.—is unique to Harmonieorkest Vooruit. While the objects stand alone, they also hold a memory, an interesting story, or a unique characteristic of the orchestra and its members. The focus is not only on musical highlights but also on the life of the orchestra and the profiles of those involved. Above all, the history is framed within the social and political context of Harelbeke and (far) beyond. This approach allows for a diverse yet coherent history to be presented in an accessible way.
A selection of the objects in the book will be exhibited in May and June at the Harelbeke library and the foyer of CC Het Spoor. The exhibition brings the history of the orchestra to life interactively. This project is made possible by a grant from Erfgoed Zuidwest, and with the collaboration of the Harelbeke Library, the city archives, Amsab-ISG, CEMPER, and Het Spoor.
