From Berlioz’s carnival flair to Bartók’s raw energy, with Thorvaldsdottir putting the orchestra on edge and cellist Julian Steckel in the spotlight.
The evening opens with Hector Berlioz’s Roman Carnival: brilliance, theatricality, and bubbling energy. The orchestra showcases playful colours and exuberant motion in a French celebration full of vitality and sparkle.
In the cello concerto Before We Fall, Anna Thorvaldsdottir explores a world of tension and vulnerability. The solo cello does not confront the orchestra but is...
The evening opens with Hector Berlioz’s Roman Carnival: brilliance, theatricality, and bubbling energy. The orchestra showcases playful colours and exuberant motion in a French celebration full of vitality and sparkle.
In the cello concerto Before We Fall, Anna Thorvaldsdottir explores a world of tension and vulnerability. The solo cello does not confront the orchestra but is embedded within it: a voice that balances, searches, and moves profoundly. Julian Steckel gives this music an intensely physical presence, with a touch of silvered brilliance.
After the intermission, Béla Bartók takes over with his Concerto for Orchestra, a celebration of collective strength, rhythmic precision, and uncompromising energy. Under Michael Schønwandt’s direction, this Friday Masterpieces concert unfolds with the orchestra in the starring role: bold, virtuosic, and full of fire.
Thanks to the players of the National Lottery and to the Tax Shelter of the Federal Government of Belgium through Casa Kafka Pictures.
Concert with introduction
Enhance your experience beyond the concert with an introduction! The introduction starts at 7 pm and is free upon presentation of your concert ticket.
Programme
-
Hector Berlioz
Roman Carnival, Op. 9, H 95, Overture -
Anna Thorvaldsdottir
Before we fall (Belgian premiere) -
Béla Bartók
Concerto for Orchestra, Sz. 116, BB 123
Artists
- Michael Schønwandt Conductor
- Julian Steckel Cello
Concert with introduction
Enhance your experience beyond the concert with an introduction! The introduction starts at 7 pm and is free upon presentation of your concert ticket.
Anna Thorvaldsdottir, portrait artist of the 26/27 season
Icelandic composer Anna Thorvaldsdottir unfolds sublime soundscapes like no others. These slow, atmospheric pieces, greatly influenced by nature, are often preceded by sketches that she then turns into sound. The BNO will present four large-scale works in 26/27. For Metaxis, the orchestra even moves into the Ravenstein Gallery, spreading across several floors to create a truly immersive listening experience.
In co-production with
With the support of
Fête de la Musique 2027
City of Floating Sounds
Symphony of Sorrowful Songs
Shostakovich & Mozart
New Year’s Glow 2027
Winter Concert
Echoes of the North
