"The DNA of the Brussels Philharmonic includes not only a rich history as a historic radio orchestra, with many premières to its name, but also a singularity and versatility. I adore this orchestra, which is so flexible and open-minded - as exciting and cosmopolitan as the city of Brussels!"
Music director Stéphane Denève has put together a very diverse and personal programme for his final concert with the Brussels Philharmonic, and looks back with fond memories.
Jessie Montgomery: Starburst
A multidimensional soundscape from 2020: In almost every programme, Stéphane brought a composition from after 2000: "Which classical music from the 21st century will still be played in 100 years from now? What are the classics of the future? As chief conductor, I found this very fascinating to find out together with the orchestra."
Guillaume Connesson: Cello Concerto
The Brussels Philharmonic, Stéphane Denève and Guillaume Connesson: a match made in heaven, as the many recordings - including those for Deutsche Grammophon - have proven. Gautier Capuçon is a close and personal friend, who is happy to be there for this special moment. "I am very proud of our recordings of the music of Guillaume Connesson. We won prizes for this contemporary classical music and we were the first Belgian orchestra to be recorded on the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon music label. That is so unique."
Joseph Jongen: Clair de lune
A Belgian composer could not be left out - Stéphane chose this dreamy work for which Jongen found inspiration in Debussy and Ravel. "Belgium is a wonderful country, not only musically but also culinarily: I love filet américain, and Brussels is the place to be. One of the best places to eat filet américain is just a few streets away from the Flagey building."
Maurice Ravel: Trois beaux oiseaux du paradis
Het Vlaams Radiokoor was often on stage during Stéphane's concerts - he lets them shine a capella in this work. "Productions such as Edward Grieg's Peer Gynt, with a full choir and orchestra, show only too well what the Brussels Philharmonic can achieve as a team, as a family."
Maurice Ravel: Daphnis & Chloé
Top of the bill is this poetic gem by Ravel, in which the Brussels Philharmonic and the Vlaams Radiokoor (reinforced by the ensemble Octopus) give the best of themselves. "The Brussels Philharmonic always gave me the time and space to work on details. The DNA of the orchestra is much more similar to my own: I was born in Tourcoing near the Belgian border. Therefore I not only have the French southern culture in me, but also the spiritual and rational of the German classical tradition. I feel cultural heritage coming from both directions, just like with the orchestra!"