Upcoming events, arts & entertainment

Editors’ pick of what’s on in Brussels - December 14

Who can fail to be charmed by magical fairy lights? The seasonal mood continues in the city with a novel sound and light installation in Place Stéphanie BÜL in Brussels. Every evening as darkness falls, giant spheres (the largest is 7m) change colour and sound in an evanescent choreography, designed by Bernard Dugay from Montreal. You can see it until January 7.

Also opening this evening is Le Botanique’s exhibition of photos Harry Gruyaert – Roots Belgium 1970-80s (pictured above). The former Magnum photographer cut a discreet figure at the acclaimed agency while establishing an impressive body of work around the world. This show is devoted to daily life images of his native country during the 1970s and 80s when he abandoned the then norm of black-and-white to exploring colour. Antwerp-born Gruyaert was one of the first European photographers to experiment with colour and he used it to particular effect when photographing countless Belgian festivals and processions. Morocco was one of the many countries he photographed and an installation in Botanique’s greenhouse is staged by Wallonie Bruxelles International as part of the artistic season DABA Maroc.

Creating a glorious sound for Christmas, Brussels Philharmonic perform Verdi’s monumental requiem at Bozar on December 15. Conductor Michel Tabachnik, along with a clutch of soloists, the Flemish Radio Choir and Octopus Symphonic Choir, revives the emotional masterpiece that Verdi wrote to mark the death of Alessandro Manzoni, the poet, novelist and major figure of the Risorgimento (Resurgence) movement. The requiem explores experiences from loss and sorrow to forgiveness and mercy and is one of the greatest works for orchestra, soloists and chorus.

There’s music of a different stripe with American singer Beth Hart at Botanique on December 17. The West Coast vocalist performs tracks from latest album Bang Bang Boom Boom, showcasing her eclectic style and raw sound influenced by blues, jazz, rock and soul. It follows her 2011 album Don’t Explain, which resulted from a collaboration with guitar great Joe Bonamassa. This is Hart’s first appearance on a Belgian stage.

A Kafkaesque comedy runs over the Christmas period until the end of the year at Wolubilis. Qui est Monsieur Schmitt? (pictured below) starts on December 19 and closes on New Year’s Eve with two evening shows for revellers in search of a humorous finale for 2012. The French-language drama by Sébastien Thiéry is not only seriously funny, it creates a sense of confusion for the audience thanks to the excellent acting and the craftily designed set. Recommended.

With tickets already selling fast, you may want to buy tickets now for the big end-of-year family show Peter Pan – The Never Ending Story at Forest National. This 100 percent Belgian production is the latest version of the popular JM Barrie story. Performed on a 360-degree stage, the spectacle mixes film, music and lots of special effects. There are French and Dutch versions, but the opening night only (December 20) is in English. Luc Pire (Franco Dragone’s former right-hand man) directs, with music by Matt Dunkley. Read a preview published in Flanders Today here.