Renaat Ackaert studied at the Music Conservatory of Ghent, where he obtained his Masters Degree in cello under the tutelage of France Springuel. He subsequently perfected his skills in Antwerp, studying under Ilia Laporev. Renaat was among the prize-winners of the “Jong Tenuto” Contest and won First Prize at the national contest of the ‘Crédit Communal’ (now known as the Axion Classics). He is the cello principal of the Flanders Symphony Orchestra and has worked with various orchestras and ensembles, among which are the ‘Beethoven Academie’ and ‘I Fiamminghi’. As a specialist in chamber music, Renaat has perfected his skills under the direction of Alexander Lonquich in Italy. He has acquired significant experience performing with the Con Spirito Piano Quartet, the Feniks Piano Trio and the Walter Boeykens Ensemble. Renaat Ackaert is currently teaching cello and instrumental ensembles, and he also leads the orchestra for the Da Capo Ensemble.