Renaissance Echoes: Tasto Solo Unveils Early 16th-Century Magic

Prepare to have your ears opened to the sounds of the Italian Renaissance.The Spanish ensemble Tasto solo is set to perform refined madrigals, stamping dances, and mesmerizing capriccios. The program features works by Vincenzo Ruffo, Jacob Arcadelt, Philippe Verdelot, and anonymous pieces from the Castell’Arquato manuscript.

De Bijloke, Ghent, April 24

Reimagining the Masque: Continuum & Elina Alba Explore 17th-Century Entertainment

In 17th-century England, the masque stood as the pinnacle of entertainment, blending music, words, pantomime, theatrical effects, and dance into spectacular evenings. Now, Continuum & Elina Alba bridge a 400-year gap, connecting contemporary composer Shara Nova with early baroque composer William Lawes. Both are inspired by themes of transformation and identity.

Music for the multiverse reconstructs the English Masque tradition with a modern viewpoint.

Concertgebouw, Bruges, April 26

Expanded Cinema: low! Ensemble’s Multidisciplinary Exploration

The Zemu! Ensemble, the newest addition to the Berliner Philharmoniker’s ranks, is diving into contemporary music and multidisciplinary projects. Their first project, The once and future, is described as an “expanded cinema experience.” This performance, featuring music by Eugene Birman and visual effects by Yeo Siew Hua, delves into the complex relationship between humanity and the earth.

The creation incorporates film, lasers, light, and AI applications, resulting in an enchanting experience where music spans from (post)modern to pop and rock, and images range from dystopian to hopeful.

De Singel,Antwerp,April 26

Boulez at 100: A Celebration of a Modern Master

To commemorate the centennial of Pierre Boulez,I Solisti and Asko|Schönberg are joining forces to perform Boulez’s masterpiece,Répons.Boulez sought to explore the relationship between question and answer, positioning listeners in a circle between the ensemble and six soloists to enhance the listening experience.

The program also includes In a large, open space by American composer James Tenney, providing a counterweight to Boulez’s structured approach.

De Bijloke, Ghent, April 26; De Singel, Antwerp, April 29

Händel’s Resurrection: A Baroque Easter Feast

Step back to Easter 1708, when Marchese Ranspoli first heard The resurrection in his palace, recognizing his wise investment in the young Händel. This early oratorio, crafted in the Italian style, showcases Händel’s lavish orchestration. Lucifer, with his diabolical plans, takes center stage in robust bass arias.

Le Concert de la Loge brings this “savory chunk baroque” to life.

De Bijloke, Ghent, April 26

The Adventurous Violin: Diamanda La Berge Dramm’s Sonic Explorations

Amsterdam violinist Diamanda La Berge Dramm is known for her adventurous spirit. She navigates Bach as effortlessly as Cage, and recently, she has incorporated her own compositions into her repertoire. Through bowing, smoking, scratching, and singing, she reveals the surprising sounds the violin can produce.

Bozar, Brussel, April 29

Cello Excellence: Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Isata unite

British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason and his sister, pianist Isata Kanneh-mason, will perform together, presenting three cello sonatas by Fauré, Poulenc, and Mendelssohn, alongside a new work by their fellow countryman Natalie Klouda.

De Singel,Antwerp,April 30

Musical Day Mechelen: A Festival Preview

Lunalia,the Flanders Mechelen festival,begins with an afternoon of free concerts throughout the city center. This event offers a taste of what the festival has to offer through short performances.

• The Villanella choirs will perform in the Sint-Rombouts Cathedral.
• Elly Aerden will sing texts by J.J. Slauerhoff in the Cultural Center.
• Blues guitarist Stef Pagilia will present his version of John Dowland in the Preacher Church.
• In Nona, Muziekcentrum Matrix will focus on composer Kaija Saariaho, and an ode will be performed to Cathy Berberian.

Mechelen, Various locations, April 26

Music That Bites Its Tail: Exploring the Lobster Canon

An evening dedicated to the lobster canon, also known as retrograde inversion, features music written to be played both forwards and backward. Johann Sebastian Bach was a master of this technique. Zefiro Torna and Ensemble Variances, along with visual artist Anne-Mie Van Kerckhoven, delve into the magical world of scores that take the form of circles or labyrinths, spanning six centuries of music history with Bach’s Musical Offering.

Mechelen, Various locations, April 26

Shostakovich Festival: A Symphony Unveiled

De Bijloke hosts three days dedicated to Dmitri Shostakovich. Trio Khaldei will perform his latest symphony, which stands apart from his previous works. The composer embedded numerous references within the piece, including allusions to Rossini’s “William Tell,” Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde,” and Beethoven’s “Egmont” overture.

trio Khaldei presents these references in a version for piano trio and percussion, coupled with Bartók’s Sonata for two pianos and percussion.

De bijloke, Ghent, May 1

Fazil Say: A Carte Blanche Recital

Turkish pianist and composer Fazil Say is set to deliver a unique experience. Music center De Bijloke has granted him carte blanche for a recital, allowing him to present his dream program: poetic pieces by debussy and Ravel, a Turkish Mozart sonata, and his own compositions.

De bijloke, Ghent, May 8