Finnish composer Ida Moberg’s Sunrise vividly portrays the sun’s morning ascent, setting a serene yet dynamic tone. Haydn’s Symphony No. 39, Storm at Sea, contrasts erratic bursts with sudden silences, blending Sturm und Drang with Romantic foreshadowing. Dvořák’s Seventh Symphony shifts between drama and lightness, while Martinů’s Rhapsody Concerto combines Romantic warmth with lyrical elegance. The spotlight falls on violist Antoine Tamestit, whose artistry brings Martinů’s effervescent concerto to life alongside the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra.

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The sound of the Czech Republic with Antoine Tamestit

Queen Elisabeth Hall

Music Center De Bijloke

Under the direction of General Music Director Vladimir Jurowski, the Bavarian State Orchestra will perform three European works from the fin de siècle to the 1920s, which, in their contrasts, reflect the upheavals of the early 20th century. Sergei Rachmaninoff’s symphonic poem The Isle of the Dead , inspired by the haunting gloom of Arnold Böcklin’s painting of the same name, will be contrasted by Maurice Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major, with which Italian pianist Beatrice Rana will make her Bavarian State Opera debut. The concerto, perfectly formed in classicism, embodies the radiant optimism of the 1920s with elements of blues and jazz. Richard Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra stands between the melancholy of the afterlife and the affirmation of life: first performed in 1896 at the end of the 19th century, this tone poem, rich in contrast and unresolved in its conflicts, already points the way to what is to come. The modernity of the composition, which was expected with suspicion and received with astonishment in its time, is demonstrated not least by its use in Stanley Kubrick's monumental film 2001: A Space Odyssey , which in turn points far into the future.

Guest concert of the Bavarian State Orchestra

Philharmonie Luxembourg

Cité de la Musique

Ida Moberg’s Sunrise gently portrays the sun’s morning ascent, showcasing the Finnish composer’s pioneering role in symphonic music. Antonín Dvořák’s dramatic yet light-filled Seventh Symphony reveals Brahms’ influence. Jacques Ibert’s elegant Flute Concerto, a standout in the limited flute repertoire, offers a perfect stage for the orchestra’s own Edith Van Dyck to shine. A programme of hidden gems, ready to be discovered.

Dvořák on Sunday morning

Lithuanian conductor Giedrė Šlekytė masterfully bridges the worlds of symphonic music and opera, making this programme a perfect fit for her talents. Schreker’s Nachtstück from Der ferne Klang evokes a haunting allure, with a mysterious sound that ties the protagonist to a lost love. Bartók’s The Miraculous Mandarin brims with tension, its stark opening capturing the harshness of urban life. His Second Violin Concerto, composed amidst the rise of fascism, balances raw power with tender lyricism. Alena Baeva, laureate of the 2005 Queen Elisabeth Violin Competition, brings these emotions to life, and the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to share the stage with her.

Alena Baeva plays Bartók

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A top Czech orchestra brings a top Czech programme to Antwerp. The Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, led by the inspiring Alevtina Ioffe, showcases its acclaimed identity with finesse and vision. Joining them is Canadian violinist Timothy Chooi, a Queen Elisabeth Competition laureate and one of the most exciting talents of his generation. Martinů’s lively Overture sets the tone, followed by Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, a masterpiece of breathtaking melodies. The evening concludes with Bohemian flair: Dvořák’s intimate Romance in F minor leads seamlessly into his grand Symphony No. 8, where Czech folk music bursts with energy and authenticity.

Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra

Starting in the 2026-2027 season, Marc Albrecht will take up the baton as principal conductor of the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra. This season, he returns to Antwerp with music by Brahms, a composer he has admired since receiving his first Brahms score at age 12. Brahms’ First Piano Concerto, originally conceived as a sonata and later adapted into a symphony, reflects his early struggles with the symphonic form. Martin Helmchen, a cherished guest of the orchestra, performs this Beethoven-inspired masterpiece. Arnold Schoenberg’s orchestration of Brahms’ First Piano Quartet, crafted 80 years after the original, transforms the piece into a stunning tribute to one of the 19th century’s greatest symphonic composers.

Marc Albrecht conducts Brahms

Music history is filled with moments that leave an indelible impression. Elgar’s Cello Concerto opens with the melancholic embrace of the cello, followed by the orchestra’s emotional response, conveying beauty, simplicity, and deep sadness. Written after World War I, it reflects Elgar’s disbelief in humanity and the sorrow following immense suffering. Similarly, Shostakovich, under the heavy hand of Stalin’s regime, spent years balancing his personal expression with political restrictions. Yet, this programme is not all sorrow. Shostakovich’s playful finale and Elgar’s glimmers of hope are complemented by Rimsky- Korsakov’s vibrant Capriccio espagnol. After the storm, the sun shines again. The Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra is conducted by Finnish maestro Santtu-Matias Rouvali, with Senja Rummukainen, a gifted cellist from Finland, performing Elgar’s masterpiece.

Santtu-Matias Rouvali conducts the Rotterdam Philharmonic

After losing his right arm in the First World War, pianist Paul Wittgenstein refused to give up his art and commissioned Maurice Ravel to write his Piano Concerto for the Left Hand. The result is one of the most captivating works in the piano repertoire, blending jazzy rhythms with profound beauty. Pianist Cédric Tiberghien brings this masterpiece to life. Jean Sibelius’ First Symphony combines a Tchaikovskian tradition with hints of the unique sound world he would later develop. With great flair, Nuno Coelho leads the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra through this rich and colourful programme.

Ravel's Piano Concerto for the left hand

If one word defines this extraordinary evening with the world-renowned Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, it is passion. Under the fiery baton of Andrés Orozco-Estrada, the orchestra brings Robert Zuidam’s Orewoet – a contemporary work steeped in ardent desire – and Dvořák’s beloved Symphony No. 9 ‘From the New World’ to life. The Middle Dutch term orewoet, meaning ‘passion,’ lies at the heart of Zuidam’s evocative composition. In contrast, Dvořák’s Ninth Symphony interweaves folk melodies and grand American vistas with a poignant longing for his Bohemian homeland, creating a universally emotional masterpiece. A concert where passion and longing are explored in all their depth, reaffirming the Concertgebouw Orchestra’s place among the world’s finest.

The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra & The New World

Die Walküre, the second part of Wagner’s iconic Ring des Nibelungen, was conceived as a theatrical spectacle with a hidden orchestra. The Antwerp Symphony Orchestra flips the script, placing the music front and centre in a concert performance free of visual additions. Under the baton of Jaap van Zweden, the orchestra and soloists reveal the full dramatic power of Wagner’s score, proving it shines even without staging. Immerse yourself in the epic tale of Siegmund and Sieglinde, and let the music transport you to a world of myth, passion, and timeless emotion.

Jaap van Zweden conducts Die Walküre (1. Akt)

Heuvel Eindhoven

PLT - Theater Heerlen

Sol Gabetta returns to Antwerp, following her stunning performance of Lalo’s concerto last season, this time captivating audiences with Elgar’s Cello Concerto. Heralded by Gramophone as ‘one of the best around’, Gabetta’s performance is a masterclass in balancing stillness and glorification, imbuing the piece with profound emotion. Maestro Mikko Franck, renowned for his mastery of orchestral timbres, leads the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra through this poignant journey, culminating in Strauss’s majestic Tod und Verklärung. A concert not to be missed by lovers of deep musical expression.

Sol Gabetta shines with Elgar

After his brilliant performance at the Cathedral Concert in June 2024, conductor Jan Söderblom returns to the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra. Together with pianist Alexander Melnikov, he promises fireworks in Rachmaninov’s First Piano Concerto. This youthful work, later revised by the composer, dazzles with grand Romantic gestures and virtuosic piano brilliance. Amy Beach’s Gaelic Symphony keeps us in the high-Romantic spirit but takes us across the Atlantic. Amy Beach sought a distinct musical voice for the United States, much like Dvořák. Drawing on her English, Irish, and Scottish heritage, her symphony overflows with warmth and inviting melodies. The Antwerp Symphony Orchestra is delighted to share these captivating sounds with you.

Rachmaninov with Alexander Melnikov

TivoliVredenburg

The Antwerp Symphony Orchestra celebrates local music in this poignant programme. It features music by Wim Henderickx, the late composer in residence and a cherished figure in contemporary classical music. His legacy continues to resonate deeply. Pianist-composer Arthur De Greef’s Cinq chants d’amour, on texts by Charles Fuster, transport us to the Romantic era, with hints of Flemish carillon delicately woven into the soprano’s accompaniment. A devoted disciple of Franz Liszt, De Greef also championed works by César Franck, the Liège-born composer who shaped a generation of French musicians.

Orchestral events in Antwerpen

The sound of the Czech Re...

Antwerp Symphony Orchestra

Guest concert of the Bava...

Bayerisches Staatsorchester

Dvořák on Sunday morning

Antwerp Symphony Orchestra

Alena Baeva plays Bartók

Antwerp Symphony Orchestra

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Prague Radio Symphony Orc...

Antwerp Symphony Orchestra

Marc Albrecht conducts Br...

Antwerp Symphony Orchestra

Santtu-Matias Rouvali con...

Antwerp Symphony Orchestra

Ravel's Piano Concerto fo...

Antwerp Symphony Orchestra

The Royal Concertgebouw O...

Antwerp Symphony Orchestra

Jaap van Zweden conducts ...

Antwerp Symphony Orchestra

Sol Gabetta shines with E...

Antwerp Symphony Orchestra

Rachmaninov with Alexande...

Antwerp Symphony Orchestra

Marc Albrecht conducts Fr...

Antwerp Symphony Orchestra