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Created in September 2002 by Clare Roberts and Roger Bausier, BPO found a residence in Théâtre Saint-Michel in Brussels, thanks to its Manager Antonio Vilardi ; it worked there for nine well filled seasons, but from november 2011 on it produces its concerts in the Royal Conservatoire of Brussels.
Its aim is to provide young conservatoire graduates with an opportunity to put their musical training into practice by playing in a permanent, full-sized symphony orchestra, and thus enhance their chances of becoming professional musicians.
The consequence of the progressive disappearance of the great orchestras on the Belgian scene is that young quality musicians cannot practice their art as orchestra musicians for a long time; this situation can be fatal for their artistic skill. The BPO developed its own way and became a confirmed reality in the Belgian artistic life.
That's why the BPO prepares its concerts in regular and frequent rehearsals; they cover the major works of the classical repertoire as well as more modern ones, with a particular emphasis on Belgian composers. The aim is to keep in movement, at the best of their level, about hundred young talented musicians, supported by a number of seasoned professionals, all of whom are conducted by the BPO's efficient and dynamic Musical Director, Roger Bausier, a ex-professor at the Royal Brussels Conservatoire. The orchestra also promotes the careers of young Belgian soloists by giving them an opportunity of playing with a large established orchestra.
The orchestra has enhanced its reputation by being chosen to take part in high-profile events such as the annual concerts celebrating the signature of the Treaty of Rome and International Children’s Rights Day, the COFENA concerts in Antwerp, as well as the Royal Brussels Conservatoire’s yearly conducting competition.
The ensemble plays frequently with soloists of international fame, in venues like the Palais des Beaux-Arts, the Royal Conservatoire and the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels, the Queen Elisabethhall in Antwerp, the Concertgebouw in Bruges, the Casino/Kursaal in Ostend, the Cultureel Centrum van Hasselt, the Théâtre Royal de Namur, het Stadsschouwburg van Kortrijk, and Le Nouveau Siècle in Lille or the Pamais des Congrès in Paris.
The members of the BPO hail from twenty three countries and four continents, with a strong Belgian contingent drawn from all three regions and both linguistic entities. They are brought together by their love of music and their belief in its power to foster peace and harmony between peoples and communities.
The BPO is always willing to consider proposals for future performance opportunities, whether as a full orchestra or in smaller formations, for official events or for private functions organised by corporations, societies etc., and is keen to bring its message of social and cultural progress to a wider audience. |
Donations from private sources provide essential financial support to help the Orchestra to pursue its musical activities and guarantee the quality and continued existence of our symphonic formation.
