Places of musical culture you shouldn't miss in Liege
Places of musical culture
The Opéra Royal de Wallonie and the Orchestre Philarmonique de Liège are the two main venues for classical music in Liège. But there are other venues that organise concerts of a wide variety of music and festivals that take place throughout the year. Certain events such as the jazz festival in May or the Ardentes in July have become unmissable events that attract music lovers from all over Europe.
Quatre mille NGO offers a complete agenda of all the musical culture events in Liege.
The highlights in Liege
L'Opéra de Wallonie
The reputation of the Royal Opera of Wallonia is well established. Its high quality programming attracts a discerning public from Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands. The ORW also organises conferences and themed "Apéros lyriques" around the show. And finally, the ORW has no shortage of imagination when it comes to raising awareness of opera among children. It organises "Opera in pyjamas" to experience a magical evening, but also a "gourmet and musical brunch" for a fun introduction to opera.
Architecture: The building, built in neoclassical style in 1820, underwent an extraordinary renovation in 2009, both inside and out, offering acoustic technology that makes it one of the most modern opera houses in the world.
The Liege Philharmonic Orchestra
Since its foundation in 1960, the OPRL has become a true cultural institution. From Mozart to contemporary music, its directors have constantly sought to broaden the musical offer and to multiply different forms of awareness of classical music. New concert formulas allow a wider audience to appreciate a demanding art form thanks to shorter concerts adapted to families, thematic festivals and educational initiations open to schools. This approach to making music more democratic makes the OPRL a cultural venue that evolves with the times and its audience.
The OPRL's website provides a wealth of interesting information about its history, philosophy, programming, musicians, and so much more.
Le Reflektor
Just a stone's throw from the "Carré", the Reflektor is a concert hall located in the former "Bains de la Sauvenière" building, which is also part of the Cité Miroir and has become a major cultural centre.
The Reflektor offers an eclectic programme ranging from rock to pop, including house, metal and many other styles of music. The Reflektor has become a reference in the field, hosting internationally renowned artists.
The Liege Jazz Festival
When we talk about music in Liege, we also talk about jazz and its famous festival. Since its creation in 1991 by Jean-Marie Peterkenne (thanks to him!) in the halls of the Palais des Congrès, it has never ceased to evolve into an event that is present throughout the city. For four days in May, the pretty squares come alive to the rhythm of saxophonists and the concert halls are filled with jazzy sounds. It's an event to look forward to because it makes the city beautiful and joyful.
Le Festival des Ardentes
Thanks to its increasingly demanding line-up, this festival has become the must-see event of the summer for rock and pop fans over five days in early July. Currently located on the edge of the Meuse at the northern entrance to the city, it is looking for a new space better suited to an increasingly large and eclectic audience in search of new musical and artistic experiences.
Other places to discover
Jacques Pelzer jazz club
In the house where the famous saxophonist from Liège lived and composed his most beautiful repertoires shared in part with his friend Chet Baker
L’An vert
Art studio in the typical Outremeuse district
Le blues sphere
Blues and African music concerts with a "Blues School" every Wednesday and "Jams-sessions" where everyone can perform under the sign of improvisation.
Le Microfestival
In the Espace 251 Nord under the guise of a Liège-style festival and against a backdrop of eco-responsible philosophy. What a great initiative!
