Music

The national opera house, at the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie, Place du Monnaie (tel: (070) 233 939) continues to excel. With only 1,200 seats, it is best for visitors to book in advance. For Flemish opera, one should take a trip to Vlaamse Opera, Van Ertbornstraat 8, Antwerp (tel: (03) 202 1011). The Palais des Beaux Arts, is home to the National Orchestra and Philharmonic Society, which organizes most of the major concerts in Brussels. The season, annually consisting of over 350 concerts, runs from September to June.

 

In addition to these major venues, there is the intimate Conservatoire Royal de Musique, Rue de la Régence 30 (tel: (02) 511 0427), which is tailor-made for chamber recitals. The auditorium at Muséed’ArtAncien, Rue de la Régence 3 (tel: (02) 508 3211), hosts lunchtime concerts on Wednesday, from September to June.

 

Dance
De Keersmaecker’s Rosas Company is closely linked to the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie, Place de la Monnaie (tel: (070) 233 939), while the works of radical choreographers (also contemporary music and avant-garde theatre) are often staged at the Kaaitheater, Place Sainctelette 20 (tel: (02) 201 5959), and Koninklijke Vlaamse Schouwburg (Royal Flemish Theatre), Rue de Laeken 146 (tel: (02) 210 1100). Alternative music, dance and theatre is performed at the trendy Beursschouwburg, Rue Auguste Orts 20-28 (tel: (02) 550 0350). Although contemporary dance is extremely strong in Brussels, there is no dedicated dance venue. An interest in classical dance is best pursued at the Royal Ballet of Flanders (tel: (03) 234 3438) in Antwerp.