Orchestra of the Chapelle Musicale de Tournai

It is the Orchestra of the Chapelle Musicale de Tournai, conducted by Philippe Gérard, that
accompanies the finalists in a piano concerto by Beethoven. Founded in 1978, this chamber
orchestra, made up of professional musicians who are graduates of the Belgian Royal
Conservatories, combines the enthusiasm of a collective musical project with the
professionalism of a well-executed artistic endeavor. Recognized and supported by the
Federation Wallonia-Brussels of Belgium, the ensemble has been conducted by Philippe Gérard
since 1989 and develops connections with talented young soloists, both Belgian and
international, as well as with renowned soloists and conductors. 

Numerous partnerships with both Belgian and international choirs have been established to
explore the choral repertoire. This led the production of major works such as Bach’s St. John
Passion, Christmas Oratorio, and Mass in B minor, Handel’s Messiah, Haydn’s The Seasons,
Mozart and Schubert’s Requiem and several masses, as well as Fauré’s Requiem.

Active in its home city of Tournai, where it has successfully presented an annual, diverse music
season since 1992, the orchestra is also invited to perform at various Belgian festivals and has
participated in many prestigious events, as well as in France and England.

Operating both as a string ensemble and as a chamber or symphonic orchestra, it boasts a vast repertoire ranging from baroque music to that of the 21st century. 

The Chapelle Musicale has recorded several CDs that have been highly praised by critics,
dedicated to Mozart, Britten, Holst, Jean Absil, Leo Brouwer, and, more recently, a CD titled
Alhambra Inspirations, featuring music by Turina, Albéniz, and Katona.