In Brussels, the airline has adopted the orchestra

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March 6, 2019 – Brussels Airlines and Brussels Philharmonic announce a new partnership that allows the orchestra to grasp more international opportunities and revolutionizes their touring pattern. The partnership is a first in the classical music market and makes way for international expansion and a more tailor-made repertoire.

Brussels Philharmonic is working on a strong international profile to become a leading orchestra in the global music scene and a proud classical music ambassador of Belgium to the world. Therefore the Belgian orchestra constantly invests in its international touring activity and in high-profile visiting artists from all over the world. Brussels Philharmonic works with top-notch music director Stéphane Denève and has garnered critical acclaim for its recordings, including an Academy Award and a Diapason d’Or de l’année.

Traditional orchestra touring presents a set of particular challenges, making it a complex and costly operation. The brand new partnership between Brussels Philharmonic and Brussels Airlines paves the way for a revolution in touring activity: instead of travelling for a longer period from one venue to the other, the partnership consists of one-day returns to specific venues or festivals, with Brussels as a base. This ‘touring 2.0’ allows for a time- and cost-efficient approach, placing always at the forefront the artistic objective of both concert performer and concert organiser, and thus making it possible a tailor-made and high quality project for each venue.

“This partnership brings a breath of fresh air to the traditional touring business as Brussels Airlines will become our official logistics partner. The ‘one-day return’ concept will lead to open in-depth discussion with venues or festivals in Europe on the repertoire and content of a project to be performed by the orchestra on a specific stage. Without compromising both artistic partners (orchestra and venue) will sharpen their identity. Once the programme is defined, Brussels Philharmonic will develop the project in Belgium and then bring it to the venue in the shortest possible time-frame (one day), served by a charter flight handled with care by Brussels Airlines. We are extremely happy to work with our national airline on this project and look forward to our cooperation.”
— Gunther Broucke, Intendant Brussels Philharmonic