The programme of the spring festival of Festival van Vlaanderen Mechelen has been officially announced today by mayor of Mechelen Bart Somers, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the Kingdom of Belgium, S. E. Jakub Skalník, Czech Dreams programmer Aleš Březina, project coordinator Construct Europe Jana Kerremans and Festival van Vlaanderen Mechelen director Jelle Dierickx at the Pilsen House in Brussels.
Mayor Bart Somers: 'It gives me great pleasure that Lunalia and Czech Dreams are part of our European city festival "Construct Europe". After all, it is often artists and musicians who form the vanguard of the exchange of influences and ideas across national borders. Spread across 28 concerts, 150 artists from more than ten countries bring the best that Europe has created in this way. Three weeks of pure enjoyment for everyone who loves classical music or who wants to taste it for the first time. I would say: welcome all to Mechelen.'
For its seventh edition, Lunalia, the spring festival of Festival van Vlaanderen Mechelen, once again takes over the Mechelen city centre from 18 April to 5 May 2024 and together with its partners, Construct Europe, kunstencentrum nona and Cultuurcentrum Mechelen, presents a rich and adventurous programme under the motto The Hearts of Europe.
Europe has many hearts. During Lunalia, these beating hearts resound in Mechelen. In the spring of 2024, Belgium takes over the European presidency. Mechelen logically takes Europe as the starting point for the city festival that spring: Construct Europe. Lunalia plays into this with a motto that highlights the polyphony of Europe. With a focus on Central Europe and a soft spot for the musical scene of the Czech Republic. One of the reasons for this is the celebration of 200 years of Bedrich Smetana. This composer was born in 1824. His operas and especially the symphonic poem Má Vlast – My Homeland (with the section titled The Moldau) are world-famous, but his chamber music, songs and choral music also deserve wider recognition. For this aspect, intensive collaboration takes place with Czech Dreams and with the Czech partner festival Concentus Moraviae.
The hearts are brought to sound by, among others, the Pavel Haas Quartet, Simona Saturova, Musica Gloria, Voces8, Catalina Vicens, Zefiro Torna, Tiburtina Ensemble, Kris Defoort, Anima Eterna and many others. True to its DNA, the festival explores diverse styles, genres, and forms. In addition to concerts, intimate recitals and children's performances, jazz performances and a theatrical radio show are on the agenda.