On Sunday, June 29, Festival Musiq3 at Flagey closed with an enchanting concert in which the festival theme 'Be Curious' came to life in a compelling way. It was an evening in which not only the music, but also the warm, familial atmosphere embraced the audience. This became immediately clear from the heartfelt words of thanks to the staff. The sense of connection within the festival was also strongly felt.
Flagey, as an international venue, could however consider offering its introductions in more languages during this festival as well. It would have been nice to also provide some explanation in Dutch and English, even though it was an organization of the French-speaking radio station.
The Power of Sound: Brussels Philharmonic
What stood out from the first note? Brussels Philharmonic is seasoned in the work of Maurice Ravel and Georges Gershwin; it is music written for every musician. The orchestra was characterized by a rich, warm sound; the musicians knew the music inside out and were completely in their element.
Young Conductor Lio Kuokman: Promising but with Room for Depth
The young conductor Lio Kuokman led the orchestra with enthusiasm and precision, but it sometimes remained at the surface. Although his potential was unmistakably present, he could perhaps explore the depths of the music more in the future. His energy was contagious, but in some passages I had the impression that the music needed a bit more than the fluent direction he gave. Nevertheless, his talent offers promising prospects for the future.
The evening opened with a solid interpretation of Ravel's Rapsodie espagnole, a work that immediately took us in Flagey to the sun-drenched, colorful streets of Spain.
Virtuosity of Pianist Yeol Eum Son: Power and Technique in Balance
The South Korean pianist Yeol Eum Son took the stage for the solo work. When I saw her shine at Vienna's Musikverein in early March in Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 20, I was curious about her interpretation of Ravel and Gershwin. She did not disappoint. Her technique was unparalleled, especially in the solo moments of both Ravel and Gershwin. She played with enormous intensity, with Gershwin perhaps suiting her better than Ravel. It was impressive how she masterfully handled such a heavy score with her left hand. The bravura was unmistakable, but the restrained, jazzy character of the music could have been given a bit more space at times. Nevertheless, her musical vision was refined and was conveyed to the audience with clear expression and technique.
In her interpretation of Ravel's Concerto pour la main gauche, the power of the piece became palpable in an impressive way. This work is intense and demanding, and Son brought the heavy passages with unprecedented precision. Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue subsequently transported the audience to another world. The clarinetist, who performed the iconic opening solo, deserves credit for his expressive and energetic contribution to the piece. The energetic swing of Gershwin enchanted the audience, and the playful 'squawks' from the orchestra brought smiles to the faces of those present.
La Valse: Restrained Beautiful Waltz
As a finale, Brussels Philharmonic performed La Valse by Ravel. Despite the virtuosity of the orchestra, this performance sometimes lacked the threat and the wild, orgiastic energy that makes this work so special. Instead, mainly restrained dance steps resounded, with the beauty of the sound taking center stage. This was clearly appreciated by the audience, who enjoyed this more elegant interpretation of Ravel's persiflage on the waltz. Yet I might have expected a bit more of the impact I had heard earlier this week in Nézet-Séguin's interpretation, something fiercer and more unsettling.
A Successful Closing Evening for Musiq3
This concert at Flagey formed a charming musical conclusion to Festival Musiq3. The audience was enchanted by the virtuosity of the young pianist, the dynamics of the young conductor, and the inspired performance of the orchestra. The festival has clearly achieved its goal: curiosity was awakened, new perspectives on classical music were offered, and the young talents proved that they can represent classical performing arts with flair and energy.