Following the previous video series Mission: bass and Mission: harp, the timpani of soloist Gert François and composer Wim Henderickx are now the focus. From the initial idea at Reggae Geel to a posthumously completed score inspired by religion, this promises to be a special series.
In the third and final episode, everything builds to this: the world premiere of Wim Henderickx’s Timpani Concerto. Experience this emotional day up close with timpanist Gert François, composer and musical assistant Diederik Glorieux, and Wim’s partner Bea Steylaerts. From the final rehearsal to the charged moments backstage, and the powerful silence before the first note – this is where years of friendship, music, and loss come to a head.
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Listen to the live recording of the world premiere with the full broadcast on Klara, Tuesday 29 April 2025 at 20:00. Listen live on Radio Klara or stream online via VRT MAX.
In the first episode of both the podcast and the video, we follow Wim's widow Bea Steylaerts, his right-hand man Diederik Glorieux, and soloist Gert François. They are our guides, sharing the backstory, the decades-long friendship between Gert and Wim, and some key ideas that form the foundation of this concerto.
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.
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.
Brussels Philharmonic bassist, Thomas Fiorini realizes his dream: a bass guitar concerto. Together with visionary composer Robert Groslot, Thomas helps to pave the way for the bass guitar in contemporary classical music.
Watch the documentary about the creation process from score to album recording and world premiere on 22 April at Flagey, Brussels.
Eline Groslot, solo harpist of Brussels Philharmonic, is an advocate of her instrument and it's repertoire. When American composer Geoffrey Gordon read her blog, he decided to compose a brand new harp concerto for Eline...
Follow Eline Groslot and composer Geoffrey Gordon in our brand new documentary series.
