Symphonic Date: Beethoven’s Pastorale

Impress your date or bring friends and colleagues for a unique afterwork at a Symphonic Date! Presenter Thomas Vanderveken will guide you with wit and charm through Beethoven's iconic Sixth Symphony.

Thu 09.04.2026 19:00
20251030 Thomas Vanderveken VRT 6
© VRT
Thu 09.04.2026 19:00 - 20:00
Bozar
From €20 Info & tickets

Discover a brand-new concert format, perfect for taking your first steps into the world of classical music. In just one hour, Thomas Vanderveken introduces you to a great symphonic masterpiece, revealing its secrets in a short and engaging introduction (in English, with surtitles in French and Dutch). For this edition, dive into Beethoven's beloved Pastoral Symphony.

Beethoven’s Sixth Symphony is arguably one of the most influential works in music history, alongside his Fifth Symphony. In fact, both were premiered on the same evening, each offering a distinct perspective on music. While the Fifth focuses on musical material itself and the abstraction that emerges from it, the Sixth tells a story, explicitly outlined in the titles of its movements. In this work, programmatic narrative takes precedence over formal conventions. Beethoven allows himself creative freedoms that would gradually redefine the boundaries of the symphonic genre.

Thanks to the players of the National Lottery and to the Tax Shelter of the Federal Government of Belgium through Casa Kafka Pictures.

Programme

  • Ludwig van Beethoven Symphony No. 6 in F major, Op. 68, "Pastoral"

Artists

  • Richard Egarr Conductor
  • Thomas Vanderveken Presenter

Concert with introduction

The concert opens with a live introduction in English, with surtitles in French and Dutch.

With the support of

Concert playlist