Raising Voices

‘Mixed’ is a key theme in The Time of Our Singing. Where can you feel at home when you have roots in different places? Doesn’t ‘mixed’ simply mean ‘double’, or does it spell ‘conflict’? These are questions raised in the work of Dutch-Iranian writer Sholeh Rezazadeh and Vilvoorde dancer cum choreographer and author Ish Ait Hamou. In this literary duologue, they discuss these issues and read from their work.

The young singers and musicians from Singing Molenbeek, Equinox, Remua and Young Belgian Strings invite you to a concert awash with youthful energy and oomph. The programme features a mix of traditional and classical songs, including works by Vivaldi, Defoort and Beethoven.

Explore La Monnaie’s Workshops at night. Stroll through a musical labyrinth where a mini-concert may be waiting around every corner. Expect classical, jazz, pop and traditional – as many genres as The Time of Our Singing has influences.

Bathroom singer or opera pro? Everyone is welcome to take part in this relaxed workshop, organized in collaboration with Let’s Zing Ensemble (Bozar)! Discover your own voice and above all the infectious pleasure of communal singing!

While the grown-ups enjoy the Jazzy Afternoon running in parallel at La Monnaie, this fun workshop is an opportunity for children to explore all facets of music and their voices. They will learn all about different sounds, rhythms and musical styles, and how to mix them smoothly – following The Time of Our Singing!

Dim the lights and get in the groove! BXL x LDN Interplay’s young jazz enthusiasts and the Kris Defoort Trio (with Lander Gyselinck and Nicolas Thys as well as the composer) perform original compositions, pop numbers turned inside-out and moments of free improvisation inspired by the location and its atmosphere.

One of the most versatile singers of her generation, Claron McFadden has made it her life’s mission to connect people, musical genres and traditions. Before gracing our stage as Delia Daley in The Time of Our Singing, in this open masterclass the American soprano will share with the young MM Academy singers the experience and expertise she has gained during a career spanning three decades.

Composer Kris Defoort and conductor Kwamé Ryan provide insight into the music of The Time of Our Singing. How do you build a Bachian fugue, a rap number or a sheet of raw jazz? How do you blend all these styles into one powerful musical melange? And how do you smuggle improvisation into a symphony orchestra? That – and everything you want to know about this opera – will be revealed during this fascinating talk by its two musical steersmen.

During this open discussion evening, organized in collaboration with Brussels Academy, Hélène Sechehaye (ULB), Marco Martiniello (ULiège), DJ Rokia Bamba, Claron McFadden, Fabrizio Cassol, Laïla Amezian and Leen De Spiegelaere assess the role of music in forming attitudes to culture, identity and social cohesion in super-diverse Brussels.