On Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August, the first edition of the chamber music festival Kâsteaux takes place in the castle of Bouchout. At this unique location in the Meise Botanic Garden, musicians from all over the world give the best of themselves during four concerts.
Kâsteaux is the dream of Marc Sabbah, solo viola player at the National Orchestra of Belgium, and Pamela Poté. Sabbah, artistic director of the two-day event, has a specific ambition in mind. "Our aim is to seduce the audience with world-class chamber music. We do this by introducing listeners to a wonderfully beautiful location, where they can enjoy a glass of wine, a cheese board and homemade hummus. The centuries-old castle of Bouchout and a fine selection of musicians will give people an unforgettable musical experience."
The festival brings together international artists with renowned talents from the home country. You will hear Sébastien Walnier, principal cellist of De Munt, and the young violinist Nicolas Dupont at work. Both the strengths of the musicians and of an underappreciated instrument, the viola, are highlighted by the choice of musical pieces. The artists perform a different repertoire each day with Schubert's String Quintet (D 956) and Brahms' second String Sextet (opus 36) as absolute highlights. To create a link with the botanic garden, the programme is built around the theme of growth. During the first concert of the day you can listen to duos, trios and quartets, which in the afternoon then develops into a musical crescendo with quintets and sextets.
Both Saturday and Sunday you can enjoy two concerts. After each concert you can meet the musicians and taste homemade specialities. Kâsteaux places sustainability and quality high on its agenda, using only reusable materials and organic products. In this way, the festival wants to create a total concept that will delight the audience with its exquisite programme.
The full programme can be consulted at www.kasteaux.com where you can also order day tickets. With a day ticket, visitors also get access to the Meise Botanic Garden.
- WHAT: Chamber music festival Kâsteaux – first edition – click here for the programme …
- WHO: Bas Treub, Nicolas Dupont and Asi Mathatias (violin), Marc Sabbah and Kei Tojo (viola), Ofer Canetti and Sébastien Walnier (cello)
- WHERE: Castle of Bouchout, Meise Botanic Garden
- WHEN: Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 August 2019
- WEBSITE: www.kasteaux.com