Thierry Escaich

The Bozar organ was damaged by a fire in 2021. But that won't stop us! This exceptional concert places innovation at the heart of its programme by broadcasting live from Bozar the great organ of the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, featuring several breathtaking orchestral works.

Stravinsky’s "Dumbarton Oaks" Concerto, composed during his Neoclassical period, draws inspiration from Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos, creating a concerto for chamber orchestra where each instrument plays both soloist and accompanist.

Poulenc takes advantage of the organ’s powerful sound to offer a surprising concerto. Typically reserved for sacred music, the organ here steps into the role of soloist, just as a piano or violin would in a romantic concerto, sometimes even rivaling the orchestra.

Copland’s Symphony for Organ and Orchestra uses the organ in a more restrained yet modern way, offering a unique take on the instrument’s role.

The concert concludes with Fauré's Pelléas et Mélisande suite, its vivid and colorful themes wrapping up this celebration of 20th-century music.

Created with the support of the Belgian Tax Shelter through Casa Kafka Pictures.