Lionel Bringuier​’s first three collaborations with the OPRL (beginning in 2021) immediately revealed a very strong musical affinity, in particular a shared passion for early-twentieth-century French music (Ravel, Debussy, Roussel, Poulenc) and its influence (Stravinsky), romantic repertoire (including Rimsky-Korsakov), contemporary music, and lesser-known repertoire. Together with Aline Sam-Giao and the musicians, who have welcomed him enthusiastically, Lionel Bringuier has ambitious plans, both in terms of the performance repertoire of the OPRL and its relationship with audiences and of developing its national and international reputation. World-class concert halls such as the Philharmonie de Paris, the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, and the Kölner Philharmonie have already signalled strong interest in hosting the OPRL with Lionel Bringuier in the coming seasons alongside invitations to the Festival de Pâques d’Aix-en-Provence. Outhere Music (and its labels Alpha Classics and Fuga Libera) are on board with this new team and look forward to building on the orchestra’s already impressive discography.

​“I am looking forward to building the future of the OPRL with Lionel Bringuier and I am certain that he will succeed in taking the musicians of Liège far, as I have been able to appreciate his experience, his talent, his dedication, and his undeniable personal qualities.”

Aline Sam-Giao, Executive Director of the OPRL 

“I am very proud and moved to be appointed Music Director of the Liège Royal Philharmonic Orchestra!

Since my first encounter, in February 2021, with the admirable musicians who make up this ensemble, I have been amazed by their exceptional musical abilities and human qualities. It has been a real joy, and I am thrilled that I will be joining the wonderful OPRL family and planning the future together in collaboration with the entire administrative team.
I am excited about working with Aline Sam-Giao. Since we first met in Lyons, I have admired her cultural breadth, her generosity, and her enthusiasm for exploring innovative ideas.

I salute the magnificent work done by Gergely Madaras, and it is a pleasure to take up the torch and write a new chapter in the story of the Liège Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.”

Lionel Bringuier, Music Director designate of the OPRL (2025 – 2029)
 

“Although nearly a quarter of our time together with the orchestra is still ahead of us, which I am greatly looking forward to, I would like to warmly welcome Lionel Bringuier to the OPRL family as my successor. After each visit of him as a guest conductor, it was clear that there was a special chemistry between him and the musicians, which for me is the most important factor in such a relationship. Lionel is an experienced and internationally recognized conductor, and I am reassured to know that our esteemed institution, our musicians and our public will be in — and will benefit from a great pair of hands.”

Gergely Madaras, Music Director of the OPRL (2019 – 2025)