Vive Boesmans !

Stéphane Degout & Simon Lepper

A leading figure in Belgian and European music, Philippe Boesmans, whose works have been performed all over the world, left a deep and lasting mark on the history of La Monnaie. As composer in residence under three successive directors, he created the operas La Passion de Gilles (1983), Reigen (1993), Wintermärchen (1999), Julie (2004), Yvonne, princesse de Bourgogne (2009), Au monde (2004), Pinocchio (2017) and On purge bébé! (2022), which was staged posthumously. His music, as serious as it is accessible, stands out through its subtle play on sounds and inventive combinations of timbres, perfectly calibrated for singing.  

Philippe Boesmans would have turned 90 in 2025. To mark the occasion, various Brussels institutions are coming together to honour his memory with a series of concerts and events. A regular on our stage and a memorable performer in Au monde and Pinocchio, baritone Stéphane Degout will pay tribute to his late friend, accompanied by pianist Simon Lepper. Together, they will present a recital featuring the most emblematic arias of Boesmans’ illustrious career. A vibrant celebration with a single motto: Vive Boesmans!