Critic's choice
Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège - Season 2025-2026
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of Liège's 2025–2026 season promises to be vibrant and daring, marked by a new energy: that of French conductor Lionel Bringuier, with whom the orchestra shares ‘La Passion en commun’. Together, they are opening a new chapter where tradition, modernity and openness come together in a programme that is as demanding as it is inspiring.
Under Bringuier's baton, the OPRL will showcase the great names of the symphonic repertoire — Ravel, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Gershwin, Bartók and many others — while venturing into new horizons with innovative formats: the Concert & Rencontre series, L'Heure symphonique for shorter, more accessible concerts, and the Nouveaux Classiques series, dedicated to the fascinating ‘Modern Classical’ movement.
This season also features prestigious artists such as Hélène Grimaud, Gautier and Renaud Capuçon, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Alina Baeva, and the duo Pavel Kolesnikov & Samson Tsoy, who will enhance a programme resolutely focused on excellence and emotion.
Ever faithful to its mission of openness, the OPRL offers a rich palette of experiences: family concerts, contemporary music, world music, early music, and immersive concerts combining music with photography, manga, video games, and cinema.
Concert
Théâtre des Champs-Elysées - Swan Lake by Prejlocaj
Dance at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées:during the winterholidays, fromDecember 21 to January 4, come see the iconicSwan Lake (Le Lac des cygnes)choreographed by Angelin Preljocaj. AfterSnow White(Blanche Neige) and Roméo et Juliette, the choreographer continues his exploration of narrative works, blendingwithinhis flair for storytelling Tchaïkovsky’smasterpiece to more contemporary musical arrangements.
Video, lights, costumes… In this ballet for twenty-sixdancers,createdfive yearsago, everyscenographicelementcomestogether to immerse the audience in a modern interpretation of the classical tale. In this version, the characterRothbartplots to exploit a fossile energyfieldnearalake. The young Odette firmly opposes his plan, provokingRothbart’sanger –hethentransformsherinto a swan. Meanwhile, Siegfried rebelsagainsthisfather,whointendsto collaboratewithRothbart. Thus the swan and the prince uniteagainst the threat of destructionlooming overtheircherishedlake.
The Companypresentsboth grand ensemble scenes and more intimate, already-iconic tableaux,giving the poignant ballet a breath of fresh air.
Bonus : four performances offerhalf-prices for spectatorsunder the age of 16.
