Photos: St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Performs in Brussels, Belgium

By Eric Dundon

Stéphane Denève felt like home in more than one way on Sunday, March 26, almost midway through the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s 2023 European tour.

The orchestra was performing in Brussels, Belgium, a place Denève called home for the better part of a decade. And then there was the orchestra itself, now Denève’s musical home. The full house at BOZAR’s Henry LeBoeuf Hall was warm and friendly, engaging with Denève as old friends do.

Following the performance of music by Prokofiev, Grief, and Rachmaninoff—including two encores by featured pianist Víkingur Ólafsson and two by the orchestra—Denève led a toast for the orchestra.

“I love you all and I’m so very happy,” he told the musicians before raising his glass.

The tour continues with concerts in Eindhoven and Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Madrid, Spain.

The enthusiastic crowd called for multiple curtain calls and encores.

Associate Concertmaster Erin Schreiber during rehearsal.

SLSO cello section.

Music Director Stéphane Denève leads the orchestra in Brussels, Belgium.

Piccolo player Ann Choomack, left, and flutist Jennifer Nitchman share a laugh during rehearsal.

Music Director Stéphane Denève at the start of Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances.

It was a sold-out crowd at the Henry LeBeouf Hall at BOZAR in Brussels.

From left, Associate Principal Trombone Amanda Stewart, Jonathan Reycraft, Chris Bassett, and John DiCesare.

From left to right, SLSO horn players Victoria Knudtson, Tod Bowermaster, Julie Thayer and Thomas Jöstlein (Associate Principal).

Horn player Tod Bowermaster.

Doubles basses lined up at rehearsal.

Cellist Jennifer Humphreys.

Associate Principal Percussionist Alan Stewart finds a quiet place backstage to warm up.

Bass clarintetist Tzuying Huang, center.