The New Year 2026 was opened with a bang by Brussels Philharmonic in Flagey and La Monnaie/De Munt Theater in BOZAR!
It was a true burlesque evening on the 8th of January where Brussels Philharmonic has organized an exceptional concert with a true afterparty in the hall by FLAGEY’s entrance!
The “full house” and sold out concert was conducted by Madame Cosette Justo Valdes, who used her charm as a leading lady to orchestrate the New Years’s performance of very seasoned the Brussels Philharmonic! As the orchestra, the program was colorful and multifaceted also with a physically challenging young conductor Theo Ould, who came after the dirigent Justo Valdes on the podium! The true diversity and the inclusiveness of the contemporary music world was shown! This conductor was dreaming to do so since his childhood and his dream came true on the 8th of January! Indeed, in how many music collectives this could be possible? Here it is!
New Year 2026 © photo Yelena Kharitonova
Downstairs in the lobby at the entrance was the wonderful afterparty, which took place immediately after the concert! A wonderful chance to meet and greet and continue with the musical program , for those who needed! Confetti and colors were guaranteed then!
Theatre La Monnaie/De Munt was kicking off with the following thema: “Carnaval: between the maskes and mythes” at BOZAR! Concert, which was conducted by Alain Altinoglu was received with much enthusiasm, since he is much loved by the Belgian public since he is at the helm of The Theatre, yet having his international carrier with his “multifaceting”!
New Year 2026 © photo Yelena Kharitonova
The Carnival is the moment when one could wear a must or a costume and be someone else, one could play a role or change a look!
This time Alain Altinoglu was the dirigent for three authors: Hector Berlioz, Christian Lindberg and Edvard Grieg, highlighting the Nordic challenges in the classical music! We had a wonderful soprano Sofia Nesje Enger, who is originally from Norway, singing for us! We also had Rudy Mowrcant, a trompet performer to complete our Carnival Season! That was the name of the evening anyway!
New Year 2026 © photo Yelena Kharitonova
As for me, I am very enthusiastic for both performances and the year ahead! All the cultural institutions were trying to make statements for the season to come and how! I look forward to participate in more similar evenings with them! Because ars longa!
Christophe Coppens is back at La Monnaie
