Share

The thrilling and philosophical tale of Moby Dick continues to capture the imagination. Renowned actors Joris Van den Brande, Koen De Graeve, and Günther Lesage from Lazarus theater company bring Herman Melville's classic about the white whale to life in a version for all ages. Immerse yourself in the adventures of Skipper, Ishmael, and the peg-legged Captain Ahab, who drags everyone into his quest for revenge against the creature that maimed him. The Antwerp Symphony Orchestra enhances the mythical story with riveting music by Bernard Herrmann and Richard Wagner. The Queen Elisabeth Hall, stellar actors, and the entire orchestra guarantee an unforgettable outing with your children.

Ludwig van Beethoven took as much time to compose his final symphony as his eight others combined, and it's no surprise. His Ninth is a monumental feat, showcasing daring innovation, symphonic mastery, and vocal prowess. Beethoven's influence echoes in the music of Brahms, Dvořák, and Mahler, shaping musical history. Today, the Ninth remains beloved, thanks to its message of joy and unity, particularly in the Ode to Joy inspired by Friedrich Schiller's poem. An iconic performance awaits, featuring conductor emeritus Jaap van Zweden leading the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, the Flemish Radio Choir, and exceptional soloists—a concert destined for legend.

For those who have witnessed Osmo Vänskä leading the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, it's clear he delights in treating the audience to grand symphonic masterpieces. Once again, he presents Mahler's Fifth Symphony, a work he intimately knows from his acclaimed complete recordings with the Minnesota Orchestra. The Fifth marks a turning point in Mahler's oeuvre, transitioning from the 'Wunderhorn' symphonies and bidding farewell to Romanticism, paving the way for the abstraction of his later works. Mahler described his Fifth as the expression of a man in full daylight, reaching the climax of his life. Initially misunderstood, time proved him right. Today, the Fifth Symphony, especially the fiery Adagietto, resides deeply in the hearts of many.

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.

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.