
Concert Croissant #08
Brecht Valckenaers is not merely a performer. As a pianist and composer, he combines his love of classical and contemporary repertoire with his own works and improvisations. At Bozar, the musician introduces us to Ex Nihilo, his debute album (Evil Penguin Classics, February 2026) based on Ligeti’s Musica Ricercata. This 20th century masterpiece consists of a series of eleven short pieces in which the composer experiments with different compositional techniques and styles. Brecht Valckenaers alternates the pieces with works by Lachenmann, Cowell, Bartók, Kurtág and Crumb, who approach the piano ‘ex nihilo’, far from all of playing compositional conventions. He also adds his own Rhythmic Studies: five interludes composed especially for this programme, in which he explores, challenges and pushes back his own rhythmic limits.
Musica ricercata
Rythmic Studies
Ein Kinderspiel (extracts I & VI)
Irish Legends (extract, III. The Voice of Lir)
The Night's Music (Out of Doors)
Makrokosmos II (extracts, III & IV)
Practical information
Dates
Location
HLB Stage
Ravenstein 23 1000 BrusselsSound level
Level 1 ≤ 85 db
Concert with audience on stage
Breakfast Formula
Take the opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast (two mini croissants, jam, and coffee or orange juice) at Bozar Café Victor, at the special price of €6*.
*This offer is valid on the day of the concert from 10am to 11am; by reservation only: just book the breakfast + concert deal until Friday 6pm via the ticket button.