Along with Gaston Ariën, J.A. Zwijsen and Steven Candael, Maes founded the Antwerpse Philharmonie (Antwerp Philharmonic Orchestra) in 1955, their first concert given on December 10, 1956. The orchestra is now known as the Royal Flemish Philharmonic or Dé Filharmonie, and is officially called Antwerp Symphony Orchestra.