A dazzling two-week opening at the OPRL with Lionel Bringuier, Gautier Capuçon, Jean-Yves Thibaudet

The new Music Director of the OPRL opens his tenure with an exceptional two-week inauguration: he conducts four concerts across four different series at the Salle Philharmonique. At the core of this opening series is French music, a passion shared by Bringuier and the Orchestra.

As of September 1, 2025, Lionel Bringuier officially becomes the 10^th Music Director of the Orchestre Philharmonique Royal de Liège (OPRL).

At the age of 38, the French conductor—internationally renowned for his collaborations with some of the world’s most prestigious orchestras (Los Angeles Philharmonic, Tonhalle-Orchester Zürich, NHK Symphony Orchestra Tokyo, etc.)—begins his tenure with an inaugural fortnight of four concerts (September 18–28, 2025), highlighting his preferred repertoire: French music.

It was while conducting the OPRL in past appearances—particularly in French works—that Bringuier was captivated by the Orchestra, recognizing in it precisely the sound he seeks in this repertoire. This impression, combined with the musicians’ outstanding artistic level and the Orchestra’s flexibility across a wide range of repertoires, convinced him to accept the position of Music Director.

For this inaugural series, Lionel Bringuier has chosen to spotlight the music of Maurice Ravel—whose complete orchestral works he recorded for Deutsche Grammophon—as well as works by Dukas, Saint-Saëns, and Roussel. Prokofiev’s Symphony No. 4 and Gershwin’s An American in Paris will also be featured."

Roussel’s music is above all colorful and brilliant, but also deeply expressive in its slow movements and at times highly incisive. I greatly enjoy introducing it to audiences around the world. Orchestras, often initially surprised by the distinctive harmonies and occasionally dissonant colors of his music, are quickly won over once they delve into a deeper exploration of his work. His Third Symphony, lively and sparkling, is truly worth discovering.

Close artistic partners: Gautier Capuçon and Jean-Yves Thibaudet

Across the globe, Lionel Bringuier collaborates with prestigious artists. For his first concerts at the helm of the OPRL, he chose to invite two distinguished soloists with whom he shares a long-standing musical and personal rapport:

• Gautier Capuçon, one of the most sought-after cellists in the world, whose virtuosity and generosity captivate audiences on every major international stage.
• Jean-Yves Thibaudet, an exceptional French pianist, renowned for his refined playing, musical intelligence, and extraordinary international career, making him a true living legend.

Their presence in Liège highlights the international reach of this new partnership between the OPRL and Lionel Bringuier, as well as the Music Director’s commitment to placing the Orchestra at the center of a high-level artistic dialogue.

A four-series opening

The four symphonic concerts of this season-opening also showcase the variety of formats that Lionel Bringuier wishes to offer to Liège audiences. He appears across four flagship series, three of which are entirely new.

• Symphonic Evenings 

The grand tradition of the evening symphonic concert, featuring masterpieces of the repertoire and the finest guest soloists.
→ Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 8:00 PM – Salle Philharmonique, Liège:

Opening Concert : La Valse
 

• Concert & Talk

A format new to Liège, inspired by Bringuier’s experience in Los Angeles: after the concert, artists and the conductor engage in a dialogue with the audience.
→ Friday, September 19, 2025 | 7:00 PM – Salle Philharmonique, Liège:
LA VALSE
 

• Lionel Bringuier

A new concert series created by the Music Director himself, where he shares his symphonic favorites—particularly French and Russian music—alongside distinguished soloists.
→ Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 8:00 PM – Salle Philharmonique, Liège:
AN AMeRICAN IN PARIS
 

• Family Sundays

Fun and educational concerts, specially designed for both children and adults.
→ Sunday, September 28, 2025 | 4:00 PM – Salle Philharmonique, Liège:
A SORCERER'S APPRENTICE IN PARIS
 

These four concerts serve as a true musical calling card at the dawn of this new season, titled 'Lionel Bringuier: A Shared Passion.' The opening concert on September 18 will be broadcast live on radio (Musiq3 and other European EBU channels), online (Medici.tv), and on television (delayed) on Mezzo.

News : Lionel Bringuier appointed Music Director of the Liège Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (January 2024)

NEWS : The 2025-26 season is unveiled !