Pierre Fontenelle & Cansu Sanlidag

Echoes of Brussels presents, throughout an entire season, the most memorable creations and inhabitants of our capital. Born in Halle, cellist and composer Adrien-François Servais is sometimes referred to as the "Paganini of the cello". In the nineteenth century, he performed in cultural capitals such as Paris, London, Vienna, Berlin and Saint Petersburg, collaborated with Mendelssohn and earned the admiration of composers including Berlioz, Meyerbeer and Rossini. He also left behind a virtuoso body of work for cello. As part of Echoes of Brussels, Belgian cellist Pierre Fontenelle and pianist Cansu Sanlidag delve into Servais' rich musical world. In the fantasy Souvenir de Spa, audiences will hear variations full of virtuosity and Romantic lyricism based on a simple theme. Wagner's Prelude to Tristan und Isolde further heightens the tension, while Mendelssohn's compelling Second Sonata for cello and piano allows Fontenelle to reveal the full richness of his playing. The concert is preceded by the book presentation of the new François Servais biography by Peter François, at 10am in the Horta Hall.