Premiere: Timpani Concerto by Wim Henderickx
"Wim had been developing a concept for a timpani concerto ... We decided to complete the concerto, true to Wim's spirit"
In Mission: Timpani, the spotlight is on Wim Henderickx’s timpani concerto. What started as an idea at Reggae Geel evolved into a posthumously completed, religion-inspired score. Following Mission: Bass and Mission: Harp, this new unique series invites you on an intimate musical journey.
In the second episode we invite you into the heart of Wim Henderickx’s creative world. Discover his house and studio—a unique meeting place where his wife Bea, his indispensable right-hand Diederik, and longtime electronics partner Jorrit Tamminga gathered for years. "We shared 25 fantastic years here. Every morning, as Wim began composing, he lit candles and incense—his personal ritual. Diederik and Jorrit were like family; they worked, ate, and even slept here," reflects Bea Steylaerts. An intimate glimpse into the beating heart of Wim’s oeuvre.
#2 The Instrument Maker: Crafting Sound with Code
In the Oor-Sprong podcast series (created by sound duo Geluidsduo Spraakmat), we take listeners on a unique journey through the development of new compositions.
Episode two of the first season of Oor-Sprong focuses on the role of electronics in Wim Henderickx’s Timpani Concerto.
Jorrit Taminga had long collaborated with Wim when the composer sought to incorporate electronic instruments into his work. So it was a natural choice for Diederik Glorieux to call on Jorrit once again for this Timpani Concerto. In this episode, they explore the role of electronics in the new piece and reveal how these instruments are built and programmed.
On December 18, 2022, composer Wim Henderickx passed away unexpectedly, leaving the music world in shock and mourning. Among his unfinished works lay the Timpani Concerto, a project he had been developing with his close friend and timpanist Gert François.
Two years later, with the help of Wim’s family and his long-time musical assistant Diederik Glorieux, this extraordinary work has been lovingly completed — a deeply personal tribute to the composer’s vision, creativity, and spirit.
In a new video and podcast series, the Brussels Philharmonic shares the story of this concerto’s journey: from Wim’s final ideas to its completion and the path to its world premiere on March 15, 2025, at Flagey.
"Wim had been developing a concept for a timpani concerto ... We decided to complete the concerto, true to Wim's spirit"
"whether it’s Beethoven or Charlie Parker ... without the groove, the music won’t come to life: 'It don’t mean a thing if you ain’t got that swing'"
Belgian composer Wim Henderickx's new Timpani Concerto is paired with Beethoven's 3rd Symphony, a personal favorite of Wim's and a lasting source of inspiration.
Open rehearsals: experience the orchestra up close and feel the power of our collective.Watch the rehearsal from a unique spot: the stalls on our Studio 4 stage. Afterwards, chat with someone from on or behind the stage—be it the conductor, soloist, musician, or a production team member.
speaking of heroes… cinema is full of them, each with their own iconic theme music - uncover more in this curated selection by Robin Broos