This summer, the Royal Conservatoire of Brussels and the Church of Our Lady of Victory on the Zavelkerk will resound with the music of the Midis-Minimes Festival. A music formula consisting of short concerts, synonymous with eclecticism and discovery. To be savored during the afternoon, from July 3 to August 31.
After 37 editions, the Midis-Minimes formula has proven itself. A 35-minute concert for a modest price (€6), an entertaining program with attractive pieces, but also young talents evolving within a musical spectrum stretching between the Middle Ages and contemporary times. An opportunity for both informed music lovers and listeners open to discovery to find their taste. All this in a summery and relaxed atmosphere.
There is no shortage of highlights. Starting with the opening concert on July 3 with works by Grieg and Atterberg conducted by Dirk Van de Moortel. On the bill we find the Young Belgian Strings and Sylvia and Stéphanie Huang, violinist and cellist. Both laureates of the 12 finalists of the prestigious Queen Elisabeth Competition. The closing concert on August 31 is A German Requiem by Brahms, with two pianos, conducted by Anthony Vigneron: The Choir of the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles and soprano Jodie Devos.
Multiple themes emerge in the programming. One week is devoted to the piano, with young Belgian talents such as Anaïs Cassiers, Valère Burnon and Matthieu Idmtal. Early music receives two weeks of full attention at the Zavel and there are also some surprises, such as Canticum Novum, a mix of cultures and influences between East and West with Aleppo as a starting point. The Abbagliatti pay tribute to the musette. Finally, in a totally different style: the Peruvian singer brings a journey to the roots of Peru's Quechua repertoire. String quartets (even vocal, with O! Boy) or 'Place aux Jeunes (space for youth)' put the young generation in the spotlight, such as the trio Malatya (Supernova Prize) and Susato Trio (Prize Classical generation of the Festival de Wallonie).
All this alongside top acts such as soprano Jodie Devos, mezzo-soprano Lucile Richardot, the ensemble Clematis, Quatuor Danel, Quatuor Ardeo, Quatuor Alfama or Atsuki Sakaï (bass viol).
A few examples that reflect the eclecticism that makes the festival so special!
MIDIS-MINIMES FESTIVAL
At 12:15 PM, on weekdays, from July 3 to August 31, 2023
Our Lady of Victory on the Zavelkerk
Zavelstraat, 1000 Brussels
Royal Conservatoire of Brussels
Regentschapsstraat 30, 1000 Brussels