Musicians from around the world to perform at first-ever Brussels Cello Festival

The first edition of the Brussels Cello Festival is welcoming international cellists for a three-day programme (12-14 October) of solo recitals, concertos, masterclasses and chamber music ensembles in the centre of Brussels. Prominent invited artists include Alexander Buzlov, David Cohen, Roel Dieltiens, Anne Gastinel, Marie Hallynck, Gary Hoffman, Paul Katz and Pieter Wispelwey, under artistic director Han Bin Yoon.

Originally from South Korea, the Brussels-based cellist says he was inspired to organise the event by Brussels’ international culture and openness to foreigners. “It is through this generous spirit that I was able to launch this very exciting cello festival.”

Following the selection of the cello for the first time last year by the renowned Queen Elisabeth Competition, there is a growing interest in the instrument according to Yoon. “The Belgium Cello Society fills the void in the Belgian music scene and elevates the cello voice to its newfound prominence through educational opportunities, intercultural collaborations, and world-class performances.”

The new initiative was created to organise, promote, and support cello playing in Belgium. “We cellists love to create a sense of community wherever we go, which is why one can find a cello society in most capitals of the world. When I saw that Belgium did not yet have its own cello society, I knew that I needed to help fill this void in the Belgian music scene,” says Yoon.

While he initially moved to Belgium from Los Angeles in 2014 for a three-year artist residency at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, Yoon quickly envisaged settling in Belgium. “My life started developing so well here that I started imagining life in Europe,” he says.

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2018 Brussels Cello Festival
12 October: Opening concert at Eglise Notre-Dame du Sablon
13 & 14 October: Royal Music Conservatory, 30 Rue de la Régence