Opening Concert

Les Métamorphoses Orchestra
Raphaël Feye, conductor
Joseph Haydn: Symphony No. 39 in G minor, Hob.I:39

Les Métamorphoses Orchestra
Raphaël Feye, conductor
Alexander Warenberg, cello
Dmitri Shostakovich: Concerto for Cello and Orchestra No. 1 in E flat major, op. 107

-Intermission-

Les Métamorphoses Orchestra
Raphaël Feye, conductor
Rino Yoshimoto, violin
Mieczysław Weinberg: Concertino op 42 for violin and string orchestra

Les Métamorphoses Orchestra
Raphaël Feye, conductor
Jonathan Fournel, piano
Mirabelle Kajenjeri, piano
Francis Poulenc: Concerto for 2 Pianos, FP 61

Music Notes

The Four Elements  
For the opening evening of the festival The Four Elements, the Métamorphoses orchestra and our soloists offer a musical journey where water, earth, air, and fire come to life through four contrasting yet complementary works.

From Haydn’s flowing waters to Poulenc’s blazing fire, via the earthy strength of Shostakovich and Weinberg’s airy lightness, this first evening traces a poetic and sensory journey through the elements, beautifully embodied by the Métamorphoses orchestra and the Artists in residence at the Music Chapel: Alexander Warenberg, Rino Yoshimoto, Jonathan Fournel and Mirabelle Kajenjeri.

Water – Haydn, Symphony No. 39 “La Tempesta di Mare”
Composed around 1765–68, this minor-key symphony reflects the spirit of Sturm und Drang. From the very first measures, unexpected silences and sudden outbursts create a dramatic tension. The unusual use of four horns adds depth to the darker colours, while the lively themes evoke the restless movement of the sea: unpredictable, contrasting, yet irresistibly vibrant.

Earth – Shostakovich, Cello Concerto No. 1
Written in 1959 for Mstislav Rostropovich, this concerto is one of Shostakovich’s most compelling works. Its first movement is lively and ironic, introducing a recurring motif that permeates the piece. A broad and lyrical Moderato follows, leading into an impressive Cadenza that functions as a standalone movement, before the energetic Finale where all thematic material converges. Rooted and solid, the work embodies the elemental force of the earth, with Alexander Warenberg balancing power and expressive intensity, supported by the orchestra’s precision.

Air – Weinberg, Concertino for Violin and String Orchestra
Weinberg’s 1948 Concertino offers freshness and lightness. Closer to neoclassicism than the composer’s grand, dramatic canvases, the piece unfolds lyrical lines that seem to float in space. Rino Yoshimoto’s violin soars with virtuosity and song, buoyed by the transparency of the Métamorphoses strings. Here, music becomes breath, airy movement, and freedom.

Fire – Poulenc, Concerto for Two Pianos
Written in 1932 during a period of emerging maturity, this concerto is among Poulenc’s most sparkling works. The opening Allegro bursts with Stravinskian energy, illuminated by lyrical episodes and crystalline sounds inspired by Balinese music. The central Larghetto, a tender homage to Mozart, is briefly interrupted by romantic outbursts. The Finale, with its lively rhythms, music-hall references, and jazzy colors, erupts like a vivid sonic firework. Jonathan Fournel and Mirabelle Kajenjeri engage in a dazzling dialogue, their virtuosity and interplay bringing out the full warmth and spark of this music.

We would like to thank:

Our structural sponsors – Belfius Private & Proximus.

The Foundations – Foundation Futur21, King Baudouin Foundation, Guttman Collection, Aureus –, the corporate partners – Immobel, Galileo Global Advisors, Iscal, LMNO, Denys, Maison Dandoy – all the Maecenas and those who prefer to remain anonymous.

Thank you also to our public and institutional support – Belspo, the « Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles », the « Province du Brabant Wallon », the « Commune de Waterloo » & alle spelers van de Nationale Loterij. & tous les joueurs de la Loterie Nationale.