This week, the Belgium Cello Society (BCS) announced its programme for the upcoming 2025-2026 season, with five exceptional recitals on the cards and world-class musicians due to take to Brussels' stages.
Following the success of its flagship Brussels Cello Festival in 2024, the Cello Society confirmed on Monday that audiences will be able to enjoy five more concerts from September 2025 to May 2026 and performances from some of the best in the business.
"This new season brings together world-class cellists and distinguished pianists in intimate settings across Brussels, offering audiences a journey through the rich and varied repertoire of the cello," the BCS said in a press release.
"Continuing its mission to present legendary artists performing the great works of the cello repertoire alongside lesser known pieces, the BCS season will feature works from Beethoven to Boulanger, Fauré to Ginastera, culminating in powerful performances that reflect the cello’s expressive depth and versatility," it continued. Recitals will take place at Flagey Cultural Centre, Théâtre Mercelis, Chapelle de Boondael, and La Tricoterie.
On 5 September, the principal cellist of the London Symphony Orchestra, David Cohen, will take to Flagey's stage, accompanied by prominent pianist Anna Fedorova – "two of today's most compelling and accomplished artists," according to the BCS' founder and artistic director, Han Bin Yoon. "David and Anna bring a rare combination of experience, virtuosity, and deep musical insight — this recital promises to be an unforgettable highlight of our season."
The season will continue with a performance by principal cellist of Berlin Philharmonic Bruno Delepelaire in La Tricoterie on 1 October. The BCS will move back to Flagey on 11 November, when Anne Gastinel will dazzle audience members with Beethoven's Cello Sonata 5 in D Major.
In spring next year, Pierre Fontenelle – who came second place in the 2020 Buchet International Cello Competition – will perform in Chapelle de Boondael on 24 March, followed by the final recital of the season: the 2017 Queen Elisabeth International Cello Competition laureate Ivan Karizna at Théâtre Mercelis on 2 May.
"I am confident each performance will speak to the listener's heart in ways words cannot capture. Whenever you need a healthy dose of the cello, you can always count on the Belgium Cello Society to be there for you," Yoon told The Brussels Times.
Tickets for the concerts at Flagey can be booked via the venue's website. All other tickets can be reserved via the BCS website.
Giveaway!
Want to be in with a chance of bagging a free ticket for you and a guest to the first concert of the season on 5 September? We have two pairs to give away. Email i.vivian@brusselstimes.com with your full names – first come, first served!
