Country

:

Belgium

Period

:

Classical

 

 

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Orchestral

 

Théâtre La Monnaie Royal Opera Orchestra, also known as the Orchestra of La Monnaie, is a classical music ensemble based in Brussels, Belgium. The orchestra was founded in 1819 as the orchestra of the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie, which was then a French-speaking opera house. The orchestra has since become one of the most renowned orchestras in Europe, with a rich history of performances and awards. The orchestra has had many notable conductors throughout its history, including the likes of Maurice Jaubert, André Cluytens, and Antonio Pappano. The current music director of the orchestra is Alain Altinoglu, who has been with the orchestra since 2016. Altinoglu has conducted many of the orchestra's most successful performances, including productions of Wagner's Ring Cycle and Verdi's Don Carlos. One of the orchestra's most notable performances was its production of Wagner's Ring Cycle in 2013. The production was directed by Guy Cassiers and featured a star-studded cast, including Linda Watson, John Tomlinson, and Lance Ryan. The production was widely praised for its innovative staging and powerful performances, and it cemented the orchestra's reputation as one of the premier opera orchestras in Europe. The orchestra has also been recognized for its recordings, winning several awards for its recordings of operas by Verdi, Wagner, and Puccini. In 2012, the orchestra won the International Classical Music Award for its recording of Verdi's Don Carlos, which was conducted by Pappano and featured a cast that included Jonas Kaufmann and Anja Harteros. In addition to its opera performances, the orchestra also performs symphonic concerts and chamber music. The orchestra has collaborated with many renowned soloists, including Martha Argerich, Maxim Vengerov, and Lang Lang. The orchestra has also performed at many prestigious venues, including the Royal Albert Hall in London and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. Despite its long history, the orchestra has not been without its challenges. In 1986, the orchestra was forced to cancel its season due to financial difficulties. However, the orchestra has since rebounded and has continued to produce high-quality performances. In recent years, the orchestra has also made efforts to reach new audiences and expand its repertoire. In 2019, the orchestra launched a new initiative called "MM Contemporary" to showcase contemporary music. The initiative included performances of works by composers such as John Adams, Kaija Saariaho, and George Benjamin. Overall, Théâtre La Monnaie Royal Opera Orchestra has a rich history of performances and awards, and it continues to be one of the premier opera orchestras in Europe. With its talented musicians and innovative productions, the orchestra is sure to continue to captivate audiences for years to come.

More....