From its home port of Bruges, string orchestra BRYGGEN boldly sets course for the North, along the routes of the Hanseatic League, all the way to Scandinavia and the Baltic. In search of new sounds and connection to the wide world around. With united/unified forces, now moving against the current, then harmoniously bathing in the tranquillity of immeasurably deep fjords.
BRYGGEN is a fresh and dynamic string orchestra for whom innovation is key, whether in terms of repertoire or performance. Every BRYGGEN concert is an experience, both for the audience and the performers. Founded by artistic director Jolente De Maeyer, the ensemble explores the soundscape of Scandinavia and the Baltic, complemented with keyworks from 20th and 21st century postmodern music.
BRYGGEN strongly believes in the power of the string orchestra and in the added value that playing music in a smaller group offers in terms of sound, interaction, communication and focus. The ensemble works without a conductor and makes every effort to bring contemporary music to the heart of the audience not only through their ears but also through their eyes. The symbiosis between text, music, image and performance is therefore in the DNA of the projects that BRYGGEN carefully develops alongside narrators, actors, writers, directors, choreographers, dancers, choir, performance artists and more. For BRYGGEN, the future is very diverse.
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PRESS REVIEWS
‘Bryggen’s interpretation is a bit like allowing yourself a moment of meditation, free, in the sun and under an open sky.’
crescendo, 22 July 2022
PROJECT 2027/28
16 November – 14 December 2027
16 January – 22 February 2028 and upon request
Max Richter Four Seasons Recomposed with dance: four seasons changed
four seasons changed reimagines Max Richter’s iconic music Recomposed by Max Richter: Vivaldi – The Four Seasons as a choreographed reflection on change as a powerful, yet vulnerable mode of living. BRYGGEN string ensemble not only plays but moves throughout the performance in endlessly varying patterns. Alongside the musicians, a solitary dancer weaves between the strings, both acting as a counterpart and highlighting the emotional structure of the composition.
Chief choreographer Michiel Vandevelde understands dance history as a “living archive” and links each season to an influential choreographic tradition:
- Spring: Inspired by Isadora Duncan.
- Summer: Based on Anna Halprin.
- Autumn: A tribute to Pina Bausch.
- Winter: Guided by Trisha Brown.
