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The BNO is a vibrant orchestra that harnesses the power of orchestral music to inspire and connect diverse audiences by combining artistic ambition with curiosity, courage, innovation and collaboration with partners in Brussels, Belgium and beyond.
The BNO is committed to sharing its passion for the rich symphonic repertoire with all audiences, including new generations. Through innovative formats and a diverse, accessible programme of international calibre, it keeps orchestral music vibrant and relevant.
The orchestra regularly collaborates with world-renowned artists such as Hilary Hahn, Leif Ove Andsnes and Roberto Alagna, and has worked with leading conductors including Yuri Simonov, Mikko Franck, Ennio Morricone, Valery Gergiev and Hugh Wolff.
At the same time, the BNO supports emerging international talent and Belgian artists such as Piet Swerts, Gabriel Hollander, Helene Bracke and Lorenzo Gatto, while presenting numerous Belgian, European and world premieres, with works by composers including Eugène Ysaÿe, Fazıl Say, Annelies Van Parys, Wim Henderickx, Julia Wolfe and Anna Thorvaldsdottir.
The BNO also explores the boundaries between genres—pop, rock, rap, film music and electronic—through collaborations with leading artists such as Stromae (album Multitude), Ozark Henry, Zaho de Sagazan and Scylla, as well as with Tomorrowland. There, the orchestra premiered the iconic Symphony of Unity on the Main Stage, featuring music by Hans Zimmer.
As Belgium’s only federal symphony orchestra, the BNO is based in the heart of Brussels, the capital of Europe. It maintains close ties with the city and works in synergy with major cultural institutions such as Bozar, La Monnaie and the Queen Elisabeth Competition.
The orchestra tours throughout Belgium—from Ostend to Virton and Sankt Vith—including appearances at the Festival of Flanders, Festival de Wallonie and the Ostbelgien Festival. It also plays a role in key national moments such as the Belgian National Day.
Internationally, the BNO acts as a cultural ambassador, touring in countries such as Japan, South Korea, Spain and the United Kingdom, and performing in renowned venues including the Philharmonie de Paris and the Concertgebouw. The orchestra also regularly accompanies state visits and royal missions.
With over 40 concerts each year at Bozar, around 20 across Belgium and about 10 abroad, the BNO plays a unifying role in the country’s cultural life.
The BNO promotes a forward-looking vision of symphonic music, in constant dialogue with today’s society. Alongside the great repertoire, it develops innovative formats (pop-symphonic projects, film concerts, Symphonic Dates) as well as educational, social and outreach initiatives. From museums in Brussels to the CHR Citadelle in Liège, and projects such as United Music of Brussels, the orchestra engages with diverse and multi-generational audiences. By building bridges between tradition and innovation, artistic excellence and social engagement, the BNO creates musical experiences that are vibrant, inclusive and future-oriented.
The orchestra plays a key role in Belgium’s cultural ecosystem and is supported by the federal government, the Tax Shelter via Casa Kafka Pictures, and the National Lottery Belgium.
“The rich tradition of symphonic music deserves a strong future. At the same time, we must explore new artistic paths and foster a meaningful dialogue between the concert hall and the city, between the orchestra and society.”
