It is by now known that the until recently dilapidated building complex of both conservatories in Brussels (Flemish and French-speaking) after a very long path of negotiations, obstruction, sabotage, refusal of funding and more has nevertheless undergone renovation and much more. There is once again more than hope.
Conservamus, the association of dedicated people who have done everything in their power to serve the past, present and future in the most valuable way, have succeeded in the plan that brought them together: top-notch accommodation for both conservatories.
Is the work now finished for the association? Can it do more than carefully oversee the follow-up of the extensive restorations and reconstruction and once the works are completed, close the books? Oh yes, there can be more. That 'more' is not in the stones. That 'more' lies in the entire artistic, pedagogical project that supports the conservatory students in professionally establishing themselves in the wide world of (classical) music and other disciplines taught in both institutes.
Conservamus Symphony Orchestra
One of the association's new initiatives is the Conservamus Symphony Orchestra, founded in 2023, with and for the students of both conservatories. The large orchestra opts for major repertoire that performs for the general public in a prestigious venue such as the Zaal Henry Le Bœuf at BOZAR under the direction of a leading conductor. It is motivating, especially now that there is hope for magnificent accommodation within a few years, and it will only improve the quality. That is already the case and what? Everyone who attended the festive annual concert heard what a young tradition is: an annual major concert at BOZAR by the Conservamus Symphony Orchestra.
A 'wow-effect'
You could certainly call it that with a youthful expression, the listening experience the audience underwent: 'wow-effect' that was thanked for minutes on end with applause and cheers. What a positive atmosphere filled the hall. That's something different from the 'seriousness' at the many other concerts with such a serious program. But serious it was: the Conservamus Symphony Orchestra presented From Strauss to Ravel with 120 musicians from the two Royal Conservatories of Brussels under the direction of none other than Nicolás Pasquet.
The exuberance, the near perfection, the power, the volume, the great balance could lead one to believe this was a professional orchestra whose members rehearse together with clockwork regularity. Well, all things considered: a wow-effect.
Program
- Maurice Ravel: Daphnis et Chloé, Suite no. 2 - A masterpiece of color, lyricism and French elegance.
- Richard Strauss: Eine Alpensinfonie, op. 64 - A monumental symphonic journey through the landscapes and emotions of the Alps.
This is a program for seasoned musicians. The conductor, Nicolás Pasquet, is a consummate professional and he not only directed the large orchestra with a firm hand, he made music above all and radiated enjoyment, youthful understanding with a broad encouraging smile. Whoever conducts like that and carries young people along delivers great quality.
Ravel moves from cautious subtlety to heavy impact. For 20 minutes you're glued to your seat. A remarkable work that was excellently conveyed by this 'student orchestra'. A composition for the great halls, more than for listening at home. It is not programmed too often, another extra good point for the programmers. Just like the Strauss symphony which you also don't hear every day in concert halls. Understandable for both works as they require large orchestration which increases costs. The symphony is quite cinematic and Wagnerian, but that latter is common knowledge with so many works by Richard Strauss. A lengthy work that demands of the musicians, among other things, to keep the audience's attention because the composition doesn't do that throughout the entire work, to be honest. Here they succeeded greatly. The most impressive is of course the storm in this collection of stories. But the most musically profound and remains for me the Ravel which scored highly.
Oh yes, a successful festive evening. Absolutely. Next year and many years after: once again this Conservamus Symphony Orchestra on the stage at BOZAR and then, well, of course, in the restored concert hall of the Brussels Royal Conservatory!
