Bozar’s new music season embraces complexity through sound and vision
Bozar's 2025-2026 music season falls under the banner Embrace Complexity, inviting audiences into a diverse and ambitious programme that blends classical masterpieces with cutting-edge contemporary creation. From major orchestral works to intimate electronic sets, the Brussels cultural institution is offering a season shaped by contrast, innovation and dialogue between artistic traditions.
Bozar’s vision for the upcoming season is to explore the richness that emerges from tension, diversity and contradiction. This approach is reflected in the programming, where centuries-old polyphony sits alongside experimental electronics, and socially engaged concerts intersect with timeless masterpieces.
The Belgian National Orchestra (BNO) will again play a central role, offering four subscription series: Star Soloists, Masterpieces, Sunday Concerts and Society Matters. Each strand is designed to attract different audiences, whether seasoned concertgoers or those newly exploring the classical repertoire.
Spotlight on artists
Several artist portraits will run throughout the season, highlighting figures whose work exemplifies Bozar’s thematic focus.
American composer Julia Wolfe is featured prominently, with seven concerts dedicated to her music, including two collaborations with the BNO. Her large-scale, socially engaged work Fire in My Mouth is among the highlights.
French soprano Lea Desandre is also in the spotlight, appearing in a baroque recital, a gala concert with the BNO and a staged musical project inspired by Julie Andrews. Meanwhile, Austrian electronic composer Fennesz will headline several shows in the Bozar Bassment series, which showcases forward-thinking electronic music.
© BOZAR
The season includes a series of tightly curated festivals. In October, Abrupt Festival brings together leading figures from the alternative electronic scene.
November features a flamenco celebration as part of Europalia, while January’s Beats & Pieces percussion festival merges classical, jazz, global and electronic traditions. February sees a deep dive into the world of Béla Bartók with a week-long festival exploring his blend of folk and modernism.
March marks the return of the Klarafestival, a staple of the Belgian music scene that brings together top artists from classical, jazz and experimental worlds.
Bozar also continues its Staging the Concert initiative, which breaks traditional performance boundaries by integrating dance and scenography. Notably, choreographer Radouan Mriziga will work with the BNO to create a scenographic concert experience, while Japanese artist Saburô Teshigawara will stage Thomas Tallis’s rarely performed 40-part motet Spem in alium.
Expanding genres
Bozar’s revamped acoustic setup allows for a broader sonic palette. The Bozar Bassment series continues to push boundaries in electronic music, featuring acts like Amnesia Scanner and Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith.
The Global programme brings in world-renowned artists such as Tigran Hamasyan and Shahram Nazeri. Jazz also has a strong presence, with appearances by Fred Hersch & Sullivan Fortner and a collaboration between Ambrose Akinmusire and the Brussels Jazz Orchestra.
For the full season calendar and subscription options, see the Bozar website.
Season subscriptions are a flexible way to experience Bozar’s rich programming at a discounted rate. Sales are open, and general ticket sales for individual concerts begin on 3 June.
Henry Le Boeuf Hall at Bozar © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE
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