Brussels – 22nd June 2010. Brussels Philharmonic - The Orchestra of Flanders & the Flemish Radio Choir yesterday concluded a remarkable season at the Palace of Fine Arts with a unique concert in the presence of a delighted Philip Glass.

 

 

Yesterday evening’s programme was a mixture of the romantic and the contemporary – a combination which has since become known as the calling card of the orchestra and its chief conductor Michel Tabachnik. The European premiere of Philip Glass’ cello concerto was attended by the composer himself who was full of praise afterwards: ‘It was a great experience to be here in Brussels with this marvelous orchestra.  What a great premiere! Many thanks to the orchestra and the whole team.’ 

Soloist Wendy Sutter also appeared to enjoy it: ‘This is an extraordinary orchestra! We only had one rehearsal together which made it rather exciting and sometimes even impromptu  – but I thought it was splendid!’

 
For chief conductor Michel Tabachnik, the concert represented a wonderful end to the season:  ‘What a great end of season concert! Our musicians played an inspired Impressionistic Debussy and a truly romantic Schumann. Philip Glass was enthusiastic about our warm and in-depth cooperation and the outstanding performance on the occasion of the European premiere of his cello concerto’.

 

The chairman of the orchestra, Baron Hugo Vandamme, also looked back with satisfaction:  ‘The combination of our choir and orchestra in Debussy’s Nocturnes was just sublime: a splendid moment!’

 

It was a season in which the orchestra not only explored new horizons (with a three-week tour of China, a prestigious series of concerts in Salzburg and an extended residency at the Cité de la musique in Paris), but also unleashed new concert forms on the audience (‘Equi Voci’ with a combination of dance, film and music and ‘Terretektorh’ during which the audience sat among the musicians).

 

When taken together, all this provides clear proof that classical music is still alive and kicking. The enthusiastic reactions of the press and audiences and the widespread international attention show that this approach is finding favour. According to director Gunter Broucke, the ambitions of the orchestra are clear: ‘to continue on the current path, to further extend the dynamism and internationalisation of the orchestra and to continue thrilling and surprising audiences in Belgium.’
 

But first it is time to recharge the batteries. After all, following a well-earned holiday September will see the beginning of a season full of challenging concerts and innovative projects.

 

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