ORCHESTRA
The 45 musicians of Le Concert Olympique come from and are active throughout the whole of Europe. Insight into the score and the felicitous expression are crucial. From that viewpoint, it is clear that everyone is motivated to become a partner in the enthusiasm and musical knowledge of the conductor. They share his ambition to perform Beethoven at the highest level. The fact that the orchestra works within well-defined projects ensures the necessary sharpness on stage, behind the scenes and in the concert hall.
On stage | Beethoven as the great master
Le Concert Olympique’s programming is centred around the work of Beethoven. In his seminal book 'Beethoven, A Life', Beethoven expert and conductor Jan Caeyers portrays Beethoven as a universally recognised genius who could strike the perfect balance between reason and emotion and power and control. Beethoven is an example for the musicians of Le Concert Olympique to always give their best and strive for excellence.
Behind the scenes | Beethoven as an inspirer
Beethoven is interesting on more fronts than just for his music. He symbolises the importance of pushing boundaries and turning crises into a positive motivator. Le Concert Olympique consciously invests in research, innovation, education and an intercultural vision of 'classical music'. For example, Le Concert Olympique collaborates with modern composers like Jeroen D'hoe and Jens Joneleit to create contemporary music inspired by Beethoven's legacy.
In the concert hall | Beethoven as a unifier
The theme of the Ninth Symphony is ‘All people become brothers’. Beethoven connects people through the universal language of music, inviting them to strive for a better world. Le Concert Olympique shares this message with the wider community. Beethoven connoisseurs will recognise a profound and refreshing interpretation of the masterpieces during these concerts. Listeners with less affinity for classical music will discover the unique orchestral sound and experience the tremendous on-stage energy.
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
The name of the orchestra refers to “Le Concert de la Société Olympique”, the most significant concert organisation in Paris between 1782 and 1789. This organisation caused a sensation in 1785 when they ordered six symphonies from Joseph Haydn. These Paris symphonies marked the birth of the modern classical symphony.
Le Concert de la Société Olympique was established in the Palais-Royal - the birthplace of the progressive, pre-revolutionary and social movement in France. The organisation was seeking to win a place in relation to the past and the establishment. That spirit of innovation and room for modernity form the basic philosophy of the orchestra: ‘the old’ does not rule out ‘the new’.
Do you want to enjoy our concerts?
