In the early 20th century several mandolin orchestras (Estudiantinas) were active in Belgium. Today only a few groups remain: Royal Estudiantina la Napolitaine (founded in 1904) in Antwerp, Brasschaats mandoline orkest in Brasschaat and an orchestra in Mons (Bergen). Gerda Abts is a well known mandolin virtuoso in Belgium. She is also mandolin teacher and gives lessons in the music academies of Lier, Wijnegem and Brasschaat. She is now also professor mandolin at the music high school “Koninklijk Conservatorium Artesis Hogeschool Antwerpen”. She also gives various concerts each year in different ensembles. She is in close contact to the Brasschaat mandolin Orchestra. Her site is www.gevoeligesnaar.be COUNT 5
QSN1 What is an Etsudiantinas?  ANS1 mandolin orchestras QSN2 Where were the Estudiantinas active in during the early 20th century? ANS2 Belgium QSN3 What groups remain today?  ANS3 Royal Estudiantina la Napolitaine (founded in 1904) in Antwerp, Brasschaats mandoline orkest in Brasschaat and an orchestra in Mons (Bergen). QSN4 Where is Gerda Abts well know in?  ANS4 Belgium QSN5 Where is Gerda Abst a professor mandolin? ANS5 Koninklijk Conservatorium Artesis Hogeschool Antwerpen