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The soundtracks of video games no longer resemble Tetris music. Just as many games have evolved into visual gems providing unforgettable experiences, their music has transformed into symphonic masterpieces. The Antwerp Symphony Orchestra delves through generations of games, curating a selection of the most impressive pieces. Alongside the expansive Octopus Symphonic Choir enjoy an adventurous concert in the sparkling acoustics of the Queen Elisabeth Hall. This evening, you'll experience it with eyes closed... for both game addicts and newcomers to the genre.

In recent decades, numerous Asian orchestras have firmly established themselves at the pinnacle of symphonic music. The NHK Symphony Orchestra, the finest among this elite circle, makes its debut in the Elisabeth Klassiek series, led by renowned chief conductor Fabio Luisi. They begin with one of the most popular piano concertos ever written, Edvard Grieg's concerto, featuring the masterful pianist Rudolf Buchbinder. With over 60 years in his career, the Austrian authority lives and breathes Grieg's music. Gustav Mahler's Fourth Symphony, bathed in a world of sun and optimism, concludes with prophetic words: 'a vision of heaven, seen through the eyes of a child.' Soprano Ying Fang, like an angel descending to earth, interprets this beautiful poetry from Des Knaben Wunderhorn.

With Gustav Mahler and Maurice Ravel, we unite two of the finest orchestrators in music history. Both possessed an extraordinary ability to create unique soundscapes, utilizing the full force of the orchestra or employing the most subtle orchestrations. They shared an innovative approach, embracing influences from various sources. Ravel drew inspiration from jazz, French baroque music, and traditional Spanish sounds. Spanish pianist Javier Perianes skillfully performs Ravel's light and brilliant Piano Concerto with precision and sparkle. Mahler incorporated elements of folk music and his own songs into his symphonies, expressing the beauty of nature, a sentiment shared by Lili Boulanger in D'un matin de printemps. Despite her tragically short life, she developed a unique compositional voice. An unmissable evening filled with symphonic masterpieces!

Every year, young musical talents aged 14 to 26 showcase their best on the stage of the Queen Elisabeth Hall, following intensive coaching by musicians from the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra. This edition features the Antwerp Youth Orchestra, (Antwerps Jeugdorkest, AJO), conducted by the versatile Stijn Saveniers, presenting Beethoven's magnificent Seventh Symphony. Each concert by these young talents is consistently an unforgettable experience for both the audience and the musicians.

"The secret of great composers, especially Schubert, is their ability to let the essence of their soul resonate," once described by honorary conductor Philippe Herreweghe. In the Sixth Symphony, experience the playfulness and vitality characteristic of the composer's early years. Schubert's Eighth Symphony, however, presents a different mood, with melancholy and charming themes interchanging. Despite being composed just five years later, he viewed life from a vastly different perspective. The symphony remained unfinished, but its majestic introduction and lyrical Andante stand among the most poignant melodies in music history. Joseph Haydn showcased all his inventiveness and humor in his renowned Cello Concerto. With lively rhythms, unexpected twists, and virtuosic passages, top cellist Steven Isserlis can display his mastery in this concerto.

Many French composers are renowned masters in the art of playing with musical colours. Among them are Gabriel Fauré and his Belgian contemporary, César Franck, who composed in the French style. Their Piano Quintets stand as pivotal contributions to the chamber music repertoire. During the premiere of Franck's Piano Quintet in f, none other than Camille Saint-Saëns played the piano, while Fauré dedicated his First Piano Quintet to the renowned violinist-composer Eugène Ysaÿe. An intimate concert filled with melodic refinement, subtle textures, and harmonic innovation.

You already know presenter Ella Michiels from introductions at both AMUZ and the Queen Elisabeth Hall. During this exclusive meeting, you will get to know her and her work more closely. What does it entail to present classical concerts? How does one prepare? And what stories does she know after her many years with the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra?

What is a musical legacy? How do you care for the musical legacy of your predecessors? And how do I preserve the legacy of brilliant composers who came before me? Not only international composers and musicians face these questions. In our own country, we carry on the legacy of greats like Luc Brewaeys and Wim Henderickx. During this symposium, several speakers will take a closer look at themes concerning legacy and lore. Dive into the connection between the past, present and future of music, together with Alexander Kantsjeli, Birgit van Cleemput and the Sergei Rachmaninoff Foundation, among others.

During the early years of the Soviet Union, Russia experienced turbulent times. Despite writing his Third Symphony under challenging circumstances, Prokofiev remarkably captured the zeitgeist by reconciling the Russian romantic tradition with a modern, experimental approach. Georgian composer Giya Kancheli, shaped by the Soviet Union, lived in Antwerp and was the first 'composer in residence' with the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra. Together with the Octopus Symphonic Choir, they perform his final work. In his Libera me (Quasi requiem), Kancheli explores deep emotions surrounding the finitude of life, poignantly seeking redemption and grace. Swedish-Russian composer Victoria Borisova-Ollas also delves into themes of contemplation and the mysteries of the unknown. In The Kingdom of Silence, she takes us on a captivating journey through minimalist soundscapes.

A piccolo concerto, a rare gem. Peter Verhoyen, the piccolo player of the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, showcases his mastery in Levente Gyöngyösi's composition. He demonstrates the virtuosity of this small yet powerful instrument, balancing lyricism and expression. The same applies to Prokofiev's Third Symphony, composed in the early Soviet Union amid turbulent times. Despite the upheaval, Prokofiev adeptly translates it into a potent musical piece, blending lyrical moments with sharp, rhythmic, and occasionally dissonant passages. Join us for a Sunday morning filled with intense emotions and boundless energy.