On Good Friday, days after a terror attack rocked Belgium's capital, the Brussels Philharmonic and Vlaams Radio Koor performed “Ode to Joy” ("Ode an die Freude") at a memorial for the victims.
"Our hearts go out to the many victims, their families, close ones, and everyone who has been affected directly and indirectly," musicians and singers of Brussels Philharmonic said in a statement.
"We sympathize deeply as human beings, but also as a Flemish art institution that has her home in Brussels, but also not in the last place as musicians, we cannot help but make our voice heard. A voice that, as a result of the more than 18 different nationalities in our orchestra and choir – every one of them having made Brussels their home – sounds in many languages. But the one language we all speak, that unites our voices, is music."
“What we can offer in these times of unspeakable sorrow, torn apart lives, growing distrust and distance between people, is that music. Music bonds, helps with healing, with dealing and overcoming, bringing people together. The idea arose spontaneously with the musicians. Minister of Culture Sven Gatz and Mayor Yvan Mayeur were immediately interested. Thus we managed to create this moment at the steps of the Bourse on short notice,” said Gunther Broucke, general manager of Brussels Philharmonic and the Flemish Radio Choir.
Watch the video below:
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