Few contemporary composers embody the symphonic tradition as fully as Belgian composer Luc Brewaeys. He began writing his Eighth Symphony in 2004, but the work remained unfinished at the time of his death in 2015. Inspired by another iconic “Eighth” — Beethoven’s — Brewaeys envisioned his own as a true “orgy of sound,” in his own words. True to his style, the orchestration is lush, imaginative, and delightfully unconventional… bottles included! His close collaborator and former student Annelies Van Parys took on the challenge of completing the symphony’s final movement. Drawing inspiration from the Japanese art of kintsugi, she embraced the idea of highlighting the breaks — using golden seams to complete the work while honoring its original spirit.

The two “Eighths” — Beethoven’s and Brewaeys’ — are preceded by Jonathan Harvey’s 80 Breaths for Tokyo, a meditative piece inspired by Zen breathing practice: a moment of quiet stillness before the symphonic storm.

PROGRAM:

Jonathan Harvey – 80 Breaths for Tokyo 

Ludwig van Beethoven – Symfonie 8 

Luc Brewaeys – Symphony  8 (completed by  Annelies Van Parys)

Fasten Seat Belts! Celebrating Luc Brewaeys 2025–2026 

Get ready for take-off! With the music of Luc Brewaeys, we’re heading into thrilling sonic territory. This internationally celebrated Belgian composer is known for his fearless creativity, dazzling orchestration, and stunning soundscapes. Within moments, his music surges into high gear, powered by an endless stream of notes and pure energy. For Brewaeys, music wasn’t just to be heard — it had to be felt. Live, if possible. So buckle up… we’re about to lift off!

Ten years after his passing, Luc Brewaeys’s music still resonates with undiminished force. Fasten Seat Belts! is an initiative of the Luc Brewaeys Foundation, bringing together leading figures of Belgium’s classical music scene to celebrate his legacy across an entire season.

https://www.lucbrewaeys.com/fasten-seat-belts