Belgian composer Wim Henderickx’s new Timpani Concerto is paired with Beethoven’s Third Symphony, a personal favourite of Wim’s and a lasting source of inspiration.

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A passionate supporter of revolutionary ideals, Beethoven believed in justice and brotherhood, using music as a force for change. For him, adhering to classical forms and styles was like surrendering to a dictatorial society—so with his Third Symphony, he forged a new musical path. Eroica was the first symphony to link music with social dynamics, marking the dawn of the Romantic era.

When Belgian composer Wim Henderickx unexpectedly passed away in December 2022, he left behind several nearly finished compositions. For the Brussels Philharmonic and his close friend Gert François, Wim had already been developing a concept for a timpani concerto. His longtime musical assistant, Diederik Glorieux, worked with Wim’s family to prepare this piece for performance. “It’s quite a challenge to place the timpani in the spotlight without making it sensational, but with integrity. Wim’s concerto manages to capture the instrument’s essence in a sincere and powerful way.” (Gert François)

The structure of the Timpani Concerto—for solo percussion, orchestra, choir, and electronics—loosely follows the form of a mass, with each movement inspired by one of the natural elements: water, earth, fire, air, and ether. From Wim’s sketches, a score was created that allows the soloist great improvisational freedom, with electronics playing a central role.