Bust of composer Peter Benoit is once again given a place within the University of Antwerp. — © rr
–
The bust of composer Peter Benoit (1834-1901) returns to the University of Antwerp (UA). The removal of the image in September caused quite a stir within academic circles. The reason for removing the bust was a suspicion that the composer was guilty of pedophilia. “I offer our apologies,” says UA rector Herman Van Goethem.
–
Sacha Van Wiele
—
More than 560 people signed the petition to restore the bust of composer Peter Benoit. It had been removed at the request of the departing dean of the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy. He relied on information from a fellow historian. Peter Benoit would no longer have been allowed to conduct boys’ choirs at the end of his life and that would indicate possible pedophilia.
This quickly caused outrage, especially due to the absence of clear evidence. The Flemish Music Study Center started a petition against the decision to remove the bust. This successfully.
“Worthy location”
The bust of Peter Benoit can be found in the university building Het Brantijser, because that is where the Royal Flemish Conservatory of Music was located, which was founded under the impulse of this composer, among others. Rector Van Goethem admits that the bust was removed on the basis of limited information that cannot be verified. Benoit’s memory was wrongfully violated.
–Herman VanGoethem. — © Fred Debrock
–
“The history of the building and Benoit’s life’s work make Het Brantijser a worthy location to appropriately restore the bust to its former glory,” says UA rector Van Goethem.
“Placing and removing statues are important choices that must be decided at university level and not within a faculty. This was also not a good decision in terms of content, which is why I offer our apologies on behalf of the colleague involved and on behalf of the university.”
Concert
Music scientist and coordinator of the Flemish Music Study Center Jan Dewilde is working on a biography about Benoit. He took the lead in the protest. Dewilde is therefore satisfied with the decision and the apologies.
“The whole thing does leave a bad aftertaste,” says Dewilde. “It now appears that the dean, who is a historian by the way, just talked his ass off. If I hadn’t protested, what would have happened? If the apologies are sincere, then maybe it would be nice to organize a concert with the music of Peter Benoit.”
— .
