Culture beat – January 9

Snap up art works by young Belgian designers and support an excellent cause in the charity sale Young Creators Against Aids at Tour & Taxis on Sunday (January 11). In a special edition, fashion, jewellery, sculpture, objects and accessories will all be on sale. Proceeds to SIDA’SOS; free entrance and parking. The event is one of a series in December that continues until May 10.

The demise of the annual Winterjazz Marni-Flagey gives rise to the first edition of the Brussels Jazz Festival at Flagey from January 13 to 23. Belgian and international musicians share the billing and among the highlights are Franco-American Cécile McLorin Salvant, the Galliano/Fresu/Lundgren Trio and a tribute to Anglo-Belgian contemporary jazz guitarist Philip Catherine (opening concert). Free events include an exhibition, Jazz photographer: Jos Knaepen, a screening of a documentary on the life and musical career of Catherine, plus jam sessions. A pass for the festival’s ticketed events is €99.

Virtuoso gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt is celebrated every January in Belgium on the occasion of his birthday. For its 21st edition, Djangofolllies delivers 32 concerts in 27 venues around the country. Reinhardt, of French Romany origin, was born in a caravan in Liberchies (Hainaut province) in 1910. He continues to inspire musicians for his pioneering fusion of swing and manouche jazz.

With Latvia donning the EU presidency mantle at the beginning of the year, Bozar officially opens the country’s cultural programme with a concert by the National Orchestra of Belgium directed by  Karel Mark Chichon and featuring mezzo-soprano Elina Garanca at Bozar on January 16. Riga-born Garanca is reputed for her theatrical interpretation and  dazzling vocal range. Her stage appearances are limited, thus adding to the special occasion as she performs a musical journey across Europe. The programme includes Tchaikovsky’s aria Johanna from the opera the Maid of Orléans, works by Berlioz and Stravinski, and recent compositions by Eriks Esenvalds and Andris Dzenitis lend the appropriate Latvian flavour. Garanča’s husband Karel Mark Chichon conducts the orchestra.

New festival Afropean+ opens on January 17 at Bozar with a spotlight on the African diaspora and the rich diversity that the continent brings to European culture. The multidisciplinary programme features concerts by renowned musicians including Ray Lema, Freddy Massamba, and topping the bill, Alpha Blondy from the Ivory Coast. There’s definitely a West African flavour to the musical line-up. One stage is reserved for emerging talents, while other activities include films (documentaries and fiction), talks, exhibitions (Timbuktu Renaissance), a craft market and activities for children. There’s also a poetry performance session by Warrior Poets. Don’t miss a chance to sample food from the African continent. Tickets necessary for concerts; other activities free. The event is part of the European Year for development, which for 2015 is themed Our world, our dignity, our future.

Continue the New Year festivities with afterwork party people @seven who are gathering at the Martini Bar to welcome in 2015 on January 15. Resident DJ Pericles is joined by special guest DJ Milo Savic.

For an overview of upcoming events during the year, pick up the 2015 edition of The Culture Guide to Brussels, available in English, French and Dutch. On sale in bookshops, it costs €10 and provides detailed information on exhibitions, performances, concerts, festivals and other cultural events.