Dietrich Van Akelyen

Dietrich Van Akelyen (b. 1981) is a Flemish composer and conductor whose post-minimalist music combines cinematic colors with lyrical clarity. Trained in piano, composition, and conducting at the Royal Conservatory of Ghent, he has written works for choir, orchestra, and chamber ensembles, with performances ranging from the Berliner Philharmonie to New York. Highlights include Poem for the Departed, recorded by the Vlaams Radiokoor, Waar de Dender mondt for choir and chamber orchestra, and his piano album Thoughts | Reflections (2024). His music is published internationally by Golden Hearts Publications and Euprint, while in Europe he self-publishes under the label Sir Deetrick. Van Akelyen is also conductor of the DSO ensemble.