On September 6 and 7, Sint-Jansplein transforms once again into a bustling open-air venue. Antwerp Symphony Orchestra and Opera Ballet Vlaanderen join forces for the first time for Klassiek op het Plein, a free cultural weekend filled with symphonic music and opera. A festive end-of-summer celebration, in the heart of the city and for everyone.
Culture in the neighborhood, culture for everyone
It has become a beautiful tradition: festively launching the new cultural season on Sint-Jansplein, in the heart of Antwerp-Noord. With a large stage, a giant screen, more than 3,000 seats and cozy food trucks from local entrepreneurs, the weekend promises to be a total experience. Accessible, welcoming and with classical music of the highest level.
Saturday, September 6 – Swinging open-air concert
On Saturday, Antwerp Symphony Orchestra sets the tone with a summery program full of energy and flair. Under the baton of charismatic conductor Gabriel Bebeșelea, music by Márquez, Gershwin and Bernstein rings out: rousing rhythms, jazzy colors and southern warmth. The perfect recipe to end the summer in style.
For director Joost Maegerman, this concert is a yearly highlight:
"At Antwerp Symphony Orchestra, we look forward every season to the concert on Sint-Jansplein, the vibrant neighborhood around the corner from our concert hall. Moving and inspiring people from our own district – that's what we do it for. Seeing them light up at the first sounds, falling in love with classical music, and then welcoming them to the Koningin Elisabethzaal: that is the greatest good for us."
That this year there is intense collaboration with Opera Ballet Vlaanderen makes it extra special for him:
"The fact that we are collaborating more intensively with Opera Ballet Vlaanderen this summer elevates this concert to a higher level. Together we close the cultural summer with warm sounds and bring classical music to the heart of the city."
Moreover, this concert is a unique opportunity to experience the orchestra for free and in the open air, just before their departure to the prestigious George Enescu Festival in Bucharest.
Sunday, September 7 – Opera on big screen
On Sunday, Opera Ballet Vlaanderen takes over with a special open-air screening of Salome by Richard Strauss. The direction by Ersan Mondtag, which has achieved international acclaim, presents the opera as a political thriller full of suspense, intrigues and overwhelming imagery.
Artistic director Jan Vandenhouwe emphasizes the connecting power of this initiative:
"Klassiek op het Plein remains a beautiful standing appointment for the start of the new season. It brings together people from diverse backgrounds to enjoy, in a relaxed atmosphere, the top quality that both our institutions offer. It is a celebration of culture in the heart of the city, where music connects, moves and stimulates. This way we can enter the new cultural season recharged."
An evening of gripping music, impressive sets and a story that gets under your skin – and all with an aperitif in hand, in the open air.
A joint invitation
With this new partnership, Antwerp Symphony Orchestra and Opera Ballet Vlaanderen want to show that classical music lives in the city and can touch everyone. Whether you are a fervent concert-goer or meeting opera and symphonic music for the first time: Klassiek op het Plein is an invitation to come together, listen, experience and let yourself be surprised.
When?
Saturday, September 6, 7:30 PM – Open-air concert Antwerp Symphony Orchestra
Sunday, September 7, 6:00 PM – Screening of Salome by Opera Ballet Vlaanderen
Where: Sint-Jansplein, Antwerpen
Admission: Free