Close connections, a sustainable collaboration with three international top orchestras

Under the title Close Connections, Concertgebouw brings a collaboration between Concertgebouw Brugge and three leading international orchestras: London Philharmonic Orchestra, Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra, and Gürzenich-Orchester Köln. This special partnership aims to stand as best practice for sustainable international work in classical music.

With Close Connections, the Concertgebouw is opting for sustainability in all facets. Three international symphonic orchestras come to Bruges from Belgium's neighbouring countries by bus or train. In addition, the five-year collaboration ensures a deeper artistic connection, with joint creation commissions and multi-day residencies. The programmes presented in Bruges by the orchestras occasionally go beyond the traditional repertoire usually performed on tour.

'Close connections stands for 360° sustainability: ecological benefits are coupled with artistic gain. In the first season, for example, London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Concertgebouw are investing in a joint composition commission to Tania León, and new visuals by Wayne McGregor.'
— Jeroen Vanacker, artistic director Concertgebouw Brugge.