On March 21, 2026, as part of the Klarafestival, the ensembles I SOLISTI and HIIIT will perform Luc Brewaeys’ composition “Talisker” at Galerie Ravenstein in Brussels. This event is part of a broader commemoration marking the tenth anniversary of the Belgian composer’s passing, with various cultural institutions, including Bozar, DE SINGEL, Flagey, Concertgebouw Brugge, and La Monnaie, participating in the tribute.
“Talisker,” composed in 1993 for the opening of Antwerp’s tenure as European Capital of Culture, was originally performed in the Antwerp Central Station. The piece is notable for its interaction with the acoustics of large spaces, utilizing the station’s extensive reverberation to enhance the interplay between five soloists, a percussion ensemble, and a substantial clarinet choir. The composition’s title references a single malt whisky, reflecting Brewaeys’ practice of naming works after his favored spirits.
The upcoming performance will feature I SOLISTI, a Belgian wind ensemble, and HIIIT, a percussion group, under the direction of conductor Filip Rathé. They will be joined by clarinet choirs from the Royal Conservatories of Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent, and KASK. The program focuses exclusively on “Talisker,” allowing audiences to experience the piece’s intricate textures and spatial dynamics.
This concert is part of the “Echoes of the 20th Century” series, which highlights significant compositions from the previous century. Brewaeys’ “Talisker” stands as a testament to his innovative approach to spectral music and his ability to craft works that engage deeply with their performance environments. The event offers an opportunity to reflect on Brewaeys’ contributions to contemporary music and to experience a piece designed to resonate with both its performers and its setting.
Composers in the crosshairs of our attention