‘Belgian National Orchestra & Hermus’

For his very first concert as the new chief conductor of the Belgian National Orchestra, Maestro Antony Hermus will present a truly volcanic programme. Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique is perhaps the most important orchestral work of the 19th century; a 5-part narrative drama packed with opium-fuelled dreams and witches' sabbaths. The rhythmic Pulses of the Earth by Antwerp composer Wim Henderickx is another work awash with the elusive and the supernatural. American violin star Hilary Hahn will perform Brahms' Violin Concerto. Even though it was initially considered unplayable (in the words of Hans von Bülow, “This is not a concerto for the violin, but against the violin”), this work now enjoys a special place in the hearts of many soloists and conductors.