Jazz for Breakfast: an Intimate Performance

Born into a family of amateur musicians, Pierre-Antoine Savoyat played his first notes on the cornet at the Conservatory of Villefranche-sur-Saône. Curious and passionate, he explored many musical fields during his adolescence — including free improvisation, jazz, piano and contemporary music — and began composing his first pieces self-taught at the age of just eight. He later studied at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Chalon-sur-Saône, where he obtained a triple diploma in Jazz Trumpet (with Olivier Py and Fred Nardin), Classical Trumpet (with Éric Planté), and Orchestral Conducting, while also being active in several other classes. Pierre-Antoine then continued his studies at the Royal Flemish Conservatory of Brussels in the Jazz department (with Thomas Mayade, Jean-Paul Estievenart, Diederik Wissels, Stéphane Galland, Jeroen Van Herzeele…), where he earned his Bachelor’s degree with Distinction. During his Master’s studies, he completed an exchange semester at the Haute École de Musique de Lausanne, where he further refined his craft under the guidance of Matthieu Michel. He completed his studies with a Master’s degree with Great Distinction, receiving a special mention for his final concert project People Suite, a work blending jazz, contemporary music and cabaret influences. His wide range of musical influences — including Ambrose Akinmusire, Tom Harrell, Leonard Bernstein, Igor Stravinsky and Björk, among others — has shaped Pierre-Antoine into a distinctive and versatile musician performing across various European stages. In addition to leading his own quartet, he is also co-leader of Bruteleiir Collectiif, and works as a composer and arranger for projects such as the Q-Some Big Band and La Sido. He is also a sought-after sideman, notably performing with the trio Elsiris and with drummer Stéphane Galland’s project The Rhythm Hunters. From 2020 to 2022, he was a member of the Orchestre National de Jazz des Jeunes, directed first by Frank Tortiller and later by Denis Badault. He has also performed with Boogie Belgique and singer-guitarist Wil Key (Globetrotter Side B). He can also be heard on Aka Moon’s album The Quality of Joy (2023). Always eager to deepen his artistic voice, Pierre-Antoine regularly attends masterclasses and workshops, receiving guidance and support from renowned musicians such as Wynton Marsalis, Philippe Catherine, Django Bates, Gerry Hemingway, Alexandra Grimal, and Gard Nilssen. Alongside his jazz career, Pierre-Antoine is also active as a composer in the contemporary classical scene, with his works regularly performed across Europe. In 2022, he was a finalist at the European Composer Slam organised by the Orchester im Treppenhaus in Hanover. His piece Sinfonietta No. 2 – Quatre Impressions, commissioned for the Hauts-de-France Brass Band, was particularly acclaimed and contributed to the ensemble winning the 2022 French Brass Band Championship, the Flemish Open, and securing second place in the free program category at the 2022 European Brass Band Championship in Birmingham.

Stefaan Guilliams is the Departmental Coordinator at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels, where he oversees the daily operations of the departments and ensures the smooth academic and administrative organization of the institution. He also serves as Coordinator of the non-profit Conservamus, the association dedicated to supporting, promoting, and enhancing the influence of the Conservatory. In this role, he contributes to the development of cultural, educational, and artistic projects that strengthen the connection between the school, its students, and the public. Recognized for his sense of structure, rigor, and commitment to the performing arts, Stefaan Guilliams plays a key role in the dynamism and quality of the initiatives driven by the Royal Conservatory of Brussels.