Simen Van Mechelen studied Romance philology before taking up studies at the conservatory in Antwerp. After an active period as a countertenor in ensembles such as Currende and the Collegium Vocale Gent, a special interest in the historical trombone developed more and more. He studied with Wim Becu, with whom he was going to found the brass ensemble Oltremontano later. Simen Van Mechelen’s repertoire covers a lot of ground, from the alta capella music of the Renaissance, the typical cornett and trombone compositions to works from the pre-romantic period. Since 1989 he has been a member of the Concerto Palatino, and he is often asked to play with Currende, Weser-Renaissance, La Fenice, and the Huelgas Ensemble, and to participate in performances of Anima Eterna, La Petite Bande, and the Bach Collegium Japan. Simen Van Mechelen was involved in more than seventy recordings.