The unexpected and tragic death of conductor Patrick Davin made a deep impression on our institution as well as the international music scene. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, with all colleagues who knew him, and with the many artists and coworkers closely involved in the preparations for Is this the end?. In accord with the wishes of the family, we have decided that this creation, in which Patrick poured so much energy and passion, will be performed as planned.
After profound and serene discussions, in which the emotions and wishes of all those concerned - his family first and foremost - were taken into account, the board of directors of La Monnaie has decided to proceed with our showings of Is this the end? as planned. Everyone considers these performances as an homage to Patrick Davin. Both performances, on Saturday 12 (20:00h) and Sunday 13 (15:00h) September will take place as scheduled. Assistant-conductor Ouri Bronchti, who has been involved in this production from day one, will be in charge of the musical direction. Before the performance, General director Peter de Caluwe will pay his respects to the maestro.
Music Director Alain Altinoglu decided to dedicate the opening concert From the New World to Patrick Davin as well.
During a literary encounter with J. M. Coetzee on the stage of La Monnaie, Christina Scheppelmann announced that the 2003 Nobel Prize winner in Literature is writing a libretto for a new La Monnaie opera, to be premiered in the 2027–2028 season: Elizabeth Costello in limbo.
Christina Scheppelmann, who became the first female General and Artistic Director of La Monnaie this season, has been nominated for the ELLE Woman of the Year 2025 award.
On 29 September 2025, the façade of La Monnaie will turn red for World Heart Day. With this symbolic gesture, our opera house joins a global movement raising awareness about cardiovascular diseases.
