Since 2018, Festival van Vlaanderen Mechelen has been exploring the universe of timeless music under the name LUNALIA. From 26 April to 11 May 2025, this takes place under the motto "Sweet Dreams". This festival brings some of the greatest names in classical music to Mechelen, including Eric Whitacre and Ian Bostridge.
Dreams and timeless music in Lunalia 2025
"Whoever wants to realize dreams must be particularly awake and dream deeper than others." These words from gardener-philosopher Karl Foerster form the inspiration for Lunalia 2025. The festival focuses on dream time, timeless dialogues and creeping time, resulting in an enchanting programme with unique concerts.
With special projects such as La Notte, Eternity in an Hour and Winterreise, visitors are taken into a world of dreamy sounds and profound musical experiences. Great names such as composer Eric Whitacre, tenor Ian Bostridge, Bryggen Bruges Strings and a nocte temporis make their appearance in Mechelen.
Timeless music with Eric Whitacre & Vlaams Radiokoor
Eric Whitacre, one of the world's most celebrated composers, presents Eternity in an Hour. This work is based on the opening lines of William Blake's Auguries of Innocence and uses the human voice in combination with a small number of instruments to create a microcosm of timeless beauty.
This brand new work will have its world premiere at the BBC Proms in London and will then travel to Mechelen. With his music, Whitacre creates a sonic world and visual environment that helps the listener experience the beauty of the present moment. The Vlaams Radiokoor & soloists from Brussels Philharmonic conducted by Whitacre himself will perform this impressive work on 3 May 2025 in Sint-Romboutskathedraal.
Ian Bostridge and Bryggen Bruges Strings present Winterreise
Schubert's Winterreise is one of the most iconic song cycles ever written. With the famous opening song Gute Nacht, this work fits perfectly into the theme of Lunalia 2025. Ian Bostridge, one of the greatest interpreters of this masterpiece, even wrote a book about it in 2015: Anatomie van een obsessie.
During Lunalia, Winterreise will be performed in a unique way: Bostridge is accompanied by the string orchestra Bryggen Bruges Strings, conducted by Jolente De Maeyer. This promises to be an intense and captivating experience. This concert takes place on 6 May 2025 in Sint-Pieter-en-Paulkerk.
Lunalia to the third power with A nocte temporis
Lunalia would not be complete without the ensemble A nocte temporis. Reinoud Van Mechelen, together with flautist Anna Besson and their baroque orchestra, brings a programme in which the night is central. Highlights include Henry Purcell's Evening Hymn, Sébastien Le Camus' Laissez durer la nuit and Antonio Vivaldi's La Notte.
This atmospheric and poetic evening takes place on 9 May 2025 and immerses the audience in the musical magic of the night.
Programme highlights
- 3 May – Eternity in an Hour - Vlaams Radiokoor & soloists Brussels Philharmonic conducted by Eric Whitacre - Sint-Romboutskathedraal
- 6 May – Winterreise - Ian Bostridge & Bryggen Bruges Strings conducted by Jolente De Maeyer - Sint-Pieter-en-Paulkerk
- 9 May – La Notte - a nocte temporis, Reinoud Van Mechelen, Anna Besson
Discover the full programme
Lunalia 2025 promises to be a festival where dreams and music go hand in hand. Do not miss these unique concerts and discover the full programme at lunalia.be.