Imposed work for the final

After the semi-final, the finalists of the instrumental sessions are hosted for one week at the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, in particular to study without any outside help an unpublished concert piece. This year, the composition of this work has been composed by Thierry Escaich, a commission made possible thanks to the generous support of Mr. Rudolf Schülgen. The work itself will not be unveiled until the world premiere on the first day of the final, on Monday 27 May, at the Brussels Centre for Fine Arts. It will be interpreted by the twelve finalists, with the Belgian National Orchestra under the baton of Antony Hermus.

A few words from the composer about his work
The piece is inspired by the contours of an old Gregorian antiphon, Veni Sancte Spiritu. It serves as the litanic basis for an uninterrupted and increasingly rich series of variations that explore all possible forms of dialogue between violin and orchestra. Besides the references to the Gregorian tradition, we find ourselves on the borderline of various types of litanic expression, hence an at times tribal aspect almost that sometimes transforms into improvisations bordering on jazz or ritual dances. The near-haunting rhythmic scansion on which the work relies since the initial appearance of the percussion instruments does not prevent the emergence of colourful and timeless orchestral textures or, on the contrary, passionate declamations in which the violin seeks to extract itself from the pulsating agitation of the ensemble to lead the musical discourse towards greater lyricism as this long progression reaches its climax.

Imposed work for the semi-final

Charlotte Bray has written the imposed work for the semi-final of the 2024 Violin Competition. The Sun and Her Flowers, for violin and piano, will be premiered on Monday 13 May at Studio 4 in Flagey. The candidates have received the score of this work after the preselection.





A few words from the composer about her work
The title is taken from Rupi Kaur’s stunning second collection of poetry. A childlike excitement about and response to the natural world fuels the piece: first discoveries, beautiful plants and wonderful creatures, incredible sights. It seeks to capture those innocent, emergent and happy moments; a joyous appreciation of nature and the world around us. Ultimately, the more we all care about it, the greater the drive for change. The piece is dedicated to my niece Poppy Madeline who was born on July 19th, 2022. I wonder how her generation will grow up and what changes the world will experience over her lifetime. Will a greater sense of care and compassion for the extraordinary planet we call home, be found quickly and sustained?



Both works will be released on CD and on the main streaming platforms.