What actually happens behind the doors of a symphony orchestra? Who plays the great organ of the Salle Philharmonique, what does the daily life of an orchestra musician look like and how much classical music do we recognize without realizing it ourselves? On Sunday, September 6, the Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège (OPRL) answers all these questions during its Journée découverte. From 11 to 18:30, the doors at Boulevard Piercot are open and everyone – music enthusiast, curious passerby, family or budding concert-goer – can get to know the world of the OPRL free of charge.
The day begins immediately with a special encounter: visitors can discover the great Schyven organ up close. Between 11 and 1 p.m. and again from 2 to 4 p.m., it is possible to come on stage and literally step into the heart of the instrument. The organ was inaugurated in 1890 and renovated between 2002 and 2005. Those particularly curious about the sound can attend three short, commented recitals at 12, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. Éric Mairlot, conservator of the instrument, talks about its history and how it works. The organist's movements are also projected on a large screen, so hands and feet are visible. For those who want to experience it up close, there is even the possibility of taking a seat in the organ during the recital.
At least equally interesting are the encounters with the musicians of the OPRL. Under the title Les musiciens présentent... they do not talk about an abstract profession, but about their own journey and experiences. Concertmaster George Tudorache opens the series at 11:30 a.m., followed by violinist Audrey Gallez at 1 p.m. Flutists Miriam Arnold and Liesbet Driegelinck are featured at 2 p.m. and trombonist Camille Jadot at 3 p.m. Each session allows half an hour for conversation and questions.
Those who prefer to listen and guess can attend the Blindtest pas si classique at 1 p.m., presented by Pierre Solot. Classical music turns out to be much less far removed from everyday life than some might think. Film, television series and popular culture serve as the starting point for a quiz that should appeal to both connoisseurs and absolute beginners. Participation can be individual or in teams of up to six people. Pre-registration is required.
New to the Journée découverte is the speed meeting. Six people from the world of the OPRL – musicians and staff – tell during six meetings of five minutes each about their work. In just half an hour, participants get a small sample of the many people and professions that keep an orchestra running. There are only twelve places available and participation is through a drawing.
The Salle Philharmonique itself deserves a tour of discovery. During Le tour du propriétaire, the public can walk freely through the building between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and listen via QR codes to stories and anecdotes about its history. The hall, inaugurated in 1887, is an important part of Belgian heritage and was the first hall in Belgium to be electrically lit. Music historian Stéphane Dado provides the historical commentary. That the hall has hosted great names such as Richard Strauss, Gustav Mahler, Astor Piazzolla and Ennio Morricone over the years is just one of many stories to discover.
For children from three years old there is the Parc à instruments. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., they and their parents can try out various orchestra instruments. Trumpet, trombone, percussion and other instruments cease to be unreachable objects on a stage, but materials with which you can work yourself.
After all this discovery, at 4:30 p.m. comes the most familiar form: the symphony concert. The OPRL, conducted by rising star Gabriel Hollander, performs a program featuring excerpts from, among others, Holst's Suite No. 1, Prokofiev's Lieutenant Kijé, Haeck's Comptines, Mozart's Les Petits Riens, Elgar's Enigma Variations and Rossini's Il barbiere di Siviglia. Pierre Solot presents the concert and provides commentary on the music. The choice is deliberately varied and at the same time provides a preview of the OPRL's new season.
It is perhaps precisely this combination that makes the Journée découverte more than a classic open house. An orchestra is not only presented through a concert, but from different perspectives: as a collection of individual musicians, as a historical institution, as a technical whole of instruments and as a living concert practice. Visitors need not know anything or prepare anything. You can walk in for the organ, linger with a musician, try an instrument, test your knowledge during the blind test and ultimately take a seat for a symphony concert.
And anyone who finds it all a bit much can simply take a break in the Foyer Ysaÿe, where drinks and light refreshments are available all day. The sale of CDs from the OPRL's recording history also runs from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. More than thirty releases are offered at small prices.
Thus Sunday, September 6 becomes a day when the OPRL not only lets you hear its music, but above all shows what is needed to make that music happen. An invitation, then, to come not only to listen to the orchestra, but also to look a bit behind, above, between and beside it.
Journée découverte 2026 – Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège
Sunday, September 6, 2026, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Salle Philharmonique, Boulevard Piercot, Liège
All activities are free.
More info: https://www.oprl.be/fr/concerts/journee-decouverte-2026