For more than three centuries, new operas have been born in the heart of Brussels, a tradition we are proud to continue in the 21st century. Because we firmly believe that The Great Repertoire is not a closed book, but a story to which each era can add its own chapter, full of exciting music, relevant themes and innovative writing. Our era too. That is why we will present one or two brand new commissioned works every season until 2025. You can follow the preparations for these unique productions on this blog.
"Of all the mythological heroines, none is as strongly present in today's society as Cassandra." The idea of composing an opera had occupied composer Bernard Foccroulle for quite some time. In this interview he explains why his choice finally fell on the myth of Cassandra, how the artistic team was put together and why it is important for a composer not to interfere too much in the artistic process of the production.
The second world premiere of the new 2023-24 season too reflects La Monnaie's commitment. Ali is based on the true story of Ali Abdi Omar. The boy is 12 when he tries to escape terror in his homeland Somalia. He travels the dangerous road from the Horn of Africa to the heart of Europe, crossing several countries, a desert and the Mediterranean along with hundreds of migrants seeking a better future. Along the way, friendships are made despite the hardships and hope is found amidst the horror. He arrives at the Brussels South railway station in 2019, alone, without knowing a word of French or Dutch. He is 14 years old …
This incredible epic is the true story of Ali Abdi Omar, adapted for the opera by composer and multimedia artist Grey Filastine and director Ricard Soler Mallol. Developed in collaboration with Ali himself, this moving creation reconstructs all the stages of his journey. A sensory experience where electronic music, voice, string and wind instruments, percussion and dance pay a vibrant tribute to the resilience of a young boy forced, like so many others, to leave his family and home in order to survive.
Today, General and Artistic Director Peter de Caluwe presented La Monnaie's new season to the press. In 2023-24, too, we carry contemporary opera creation high on our agenda, with no less than two world premieres. One even as a season opener: from 10 to 23 September, Cassandra, the first opera by Belgian composer Bernard Foccroulle, oracles in our Main Auditorium. From today, discover the full cast and performance series on this webpage.
Read the libretto of Solar here (in English, with French translation)
Prepare yourself in the best possible way for Solar with this introductory video featuring composer Howard Moody and director Benoît De Leersnyder.
