Valerie Vervoort

Who Am I?

I'm an Antwerp native passionate about singing and the stage, a professional singer, teacher/coach, and a mother of three boys.

After studying Latin and Mathematics in high school, I had to announce my future choice to my parents: singing, music, and "nothing else." This wasn't met with much enthusiasm or joy, but I persevered and have no regrets; quite the opposite. It wasn't an easy path, but it was the path closest to my heart. It became my life's journey.

On this journey, I was fortunate to meet my husband, Eliot Lawson, an exceptional violinist, with whom I absolutely love making music. Moreover, my sister-in-law, Jill Lawson, is an extraordinary pianist with whom I also perform regularly. As a mother of three boys who are also passionate about music, I get to share the magic of music with my entire family. We even perform all together in private concerts, with Liam on cello and Kilian on violin. Little Alexis will have to wait a bit, but in the meantime, he hums the melodies with us. How wonderful is that?

I also have the honor of passing on this passion and my experience to the next generation. Among other places, I teach at the Antwerp Conservatory, as well as the children's and youth choirs of De Munt/La Monnaie. It is also at De Munt that I've had the chance multiple times to coach young soloists in my greatest passion: opera.

I'd like to conclude this introduction with an excerpt from my testimony as a victim of the terrorist attacks at Zaventem Airport (March 22, 2016). I was carrying my son Liam, who was six months old at the time, as I checked in for a trip to New York for my singing lessons.

"Yes, I am a dreamer. I believe the world is a beautiful place, and that it has the potential to be that for everyone. I believe in the power of love. I do not understand the laws of terror and war, of hate and anger, though I am strongly aware of their presence. I now have three boys at home. I hope that my little suns, throughout their lives, can illuminate the darkness of this world. I sincerely hope that they can continue to grow, flourish, and shine, to surprise and move us all with their talents. I hope they can share their passion with the whole world and bring more beauty into it. Long live life. Long live hope. Long live love. Long live music."

Live television interview: HLN: Valerie and her newborn son survived the bombing at Zaventem: 'I thought it was over'

One of many articles: Bruzz: First testimony of a victim of Maalbeek