Impossible love through the eyes of Hector Berlioz and Aïda Gabriëls with the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra
The concert hall sets the stage for Hector Berlioz’s Roméo et Juliette, a ‘symphonie dramatique’ that defies classification as opera or symphony. Inspired by the timeless tale of impossible love, Berlioz reflects on themes of hatred and reconciliation. Director Aïda Gabriëls, known for challenging conventions, builds on Berlioz’s vision, blending art forms in a striking musical-theatrical setting. Under the baton of Dima Slobodeniouk, the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra joins forces with the Octopus Symphonic Choir and renowned opera singers for an unforgettable performance – a true feast for the eyes and ears.
“Romeo and Juliet is a story everyone knows. But when you really look at it, it’s also deeply brutal: only through the tragedy of two young people do the feuding families finally manage to reconcile. It raises a question that is still relevant today: do we need conflict or violence in order to find common ground?”
Aïda Gabriëls
Credits
Conductor Dima Slobodeniouk
Tenor Bryan Register
Mezzo soprano Kai Rüütel-Pajula
Bass Nahuel di Pierro
Choir Octopus Symfonisch Koor, Laurens Collegium
Mise-en-espace Aïda Abriëls
Assistant Ferenc Balcaen
Light design Anne van Es
| Location | Dates | Hour | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antwerp Symphony Orchestra / Elisabeth KLassiek (Antwerpen) +32 3 213 54 18 www.antwerpsymphonyorchestra.be | 29/5/2026 | 20:00 | |
| Concertgebouw Brugge (Brugge) +32 50 47 69 99 www.concertgebouw.be | 30/5/2026 | 20:00 |