Walk into any traditional Brauhaus in Cologne and you will notice something unusual. The waiter — known here as a Köbes — does not ask what you want. He simply places a small, elegant 200ml glass of Kölsch on your table and marks a tick on your coaster. Welcome to one of Europe’s last truly living beer rituals.

Kölsch is more than a beer style. It is a protected appellation, legally brewed only within the city limits, and governed by the Kölsch Konvention — a rare brewing agreement that ties the drink directly to local identity, architecture and neighbourhood tradition. No other European city protects its beer culture quite like this.

A Brewing Map Written in Cobblestones

Cologne’s beer landscape reads like a walk through the city’s history. At Früh am Dom, the cathedral’s twin towers loom just metres away while regulars fill long wooden tables. A few streets south, Brauerei zur Malzmühle has been pouring its signature Mühlen Kölsch in the shadow of the Old Town’s medieval gables since the 19th century. Over in the Altstadt, Brauhaus Sion and Schreckenskammer — one of Cologne’s oldest taverns — anchor a gastronomic quarter where beer and Rhineland cuisine are inseparable.

But the real surprise lies beyond the tourist centre. In the Ehrenfeld district, a wave of craft brewing has quietly reshaped the city’s beer identity. Braustelle brews boundary-pushing styles like the Ehrenfelder Alt and the boldly named Pink Panther, while Hellers Brauhaus balances tradition and experimentation with its own Kölsch, Wiess and seasonal Maibock. Meanwhile, BRAUWELT Köln (Sünner) — housed in a stunning industrial complex — bridges brewing heritage with cultural programming, making it a destination in its own right.

For those who want to explore further, dedicated tasting bars like Craftbeer Corner Coeln and Cölln Craft Beer Bar curate rotating tap lists that showcase Germany’s evolving craft beer experience alongside local classics. And the city’s own Biermuseum offers a deeper dive into the brewing heritage that shaped the Rhineland.

Why Cologne Matters for European Beer Tourism

Cologne embodies what a genuine craft beer travel experience should look like: a city where brewing is woven into architecture, gastronomy and daily life — not packaged for consumption. This is exactly the kind of destination that Beer Trips are designed to reveal, encouraging slow tourism and authentic local discovery in European cities that go far beyond the mass-tourism trail.

As a European beer city, Cologne rewards the curious traveller — the one willing to leave the cathedral square, wander into Ehrenfeld, sit at the bar of a century-old Brauhaus, and let the Köbes decide the pace. It is sustainable tourism at its most natural: rooted in place, driven by flavour, shaped by people.

Discover the full Cologne Beer Trip on beBeer in pocket here: https://www.bebeer.app/bebeer/information/cologne

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From Belgium and Germany to the Czech Republic, Italy or France, more and more Europeans are organising weekends around brewing culture, local gastronomy and authentic experiences. The rise of experiential tourism, slow travel and food-focused escapes has created the perfect environment for a fast-growing trend: European beer tourism.

Far from traditional mass tourism routes, these Beer Trips encourage travellers to discover Europe differently — through brewing cities, medium-sized towns and rural communes shaped by local brewing traditions and regional identity. Across Europe, brewing heritage remains deeply connected to cultural heritage, architecture, gastronomy and local history, linking visitors to centuries of craftsmanship, conviviality and hospitality.

This is precisely the ambition behind the Beer Trip Planner developed by beBeer in your pocket.

The platform allows users to discover beer-focused escapes across Europe by highlighting brewing cities, local beer experiences, brewpubs, traditional venues and thematic itineraries designed for travellers seeking authenticity and local immersion. The objective is not simply to promote beer, but to encourage a new way of exploring European destinations through brewing culture and local tourism experiences.

Users can already explore around fifteen Beer Trips across Europe, with new destinations progressively joining the platform. Importantly, beBeer positions itself as a European beer tourism initiative — not as a beer network — by focusing on travel experiences, brewing heritage and sustainable tourism dynamics connected to local identity.

The project also anticipates the European Union’s evolving strategy on sustainable tourism by encouraging travellers to discover lesser-known destinations, secondary cities, medium-sized towns and rural communities outside classic tourism circuits. The ambition is clear: promoting slower, more balanced and more authentic tourism experiences across Europe while helping diversify tourism flows beyond overcrowded destinations.

This evolution reflects broader changes in European travel habits. Increasingly, travellers are looking for meaningful local experiences rooted in gastronomy, regional culture and human interaction rather than traditional sightseeing alone. Train-accessible escapes, walkable destinations and encounters with local communities are becoming central elements of modern European tourism.

Beer tourism naturally fits these expectations. Across Europe, brewing culture has become a gateway to discovering local heritage, regional traditions and overlooked destinations often absent from classic tourism guides. From historic brewing cities to rural beer-producing communes, European beer culture is increasingly emerging as a powerful tourism experience in its own right.

One of beBeer’s more innovative features also allows users to suggest new brewing cities and communes that deserve recognition for their beer culture and tourism potential, helping expand visibility for emerging beer tourism destinations across Europe.

At a time when European tourism increasingly values authenticity, sustainability and cultural discovery, Beer Trips may well become one of the season’s most promising travel trends for beer lovers and urban explorers alike.

For travellers looking to combine exploration, European heritage, gastronomy and brewing culture, the next getaway may now begin with a beer.

Discover the Beer Trip Planner here:
beBeer Trip Planner

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Key Carnival moments in 2025

The 2025 carnival season kicks off on Sunday 23 February with the Bastogne carnival and ends on Monday 31 March with the Stavelot Laetare. There are numerous carnivals between these two dates in a whole range of communes, towns and villages in Wallonia. There are also carnivals in Flanders and Brussels. 

Carnivals not to be missed

• Binche Carnival (2 to 4 March 2025): listed as a UNESCO intangible heritage site, this carnival is famous for its Gilles, characters in richly decorated costumes and wax masks who throw oranges at the crowd. 
• Cwarmê de Malmedy (1 to 4 March 2025): this four-day carnival features a large procession with over 1,500 participants and 15 traditional costumes. The Haguète, the emblematic character, immobilises passers-by with a « Happe-chair ». 
• Carnaval de La Louvière (9 to 11 March 2025): this mid-Lent celebration features Gilles, traditional music and a grand parade, starting at 3am on Sunday. 
• Laetare de Stavelot (29 to 31 March 2025): This carnival is famous for its « Blancs Moussis« , characters dressed entirely in white with long noses, who parade around throwing confetti. Laetare is a festival full of humour. The Confrérie Folklorique des Blancs Moussis has over 350 members who are dedicated to promoting the Blanc Moussi tradition, developing tourism and the economy in Stavelot and promoting brotherhood. 

How a Carnival Day unfolds and the enthusiasm of citizens

The festivities begin at dawn with the gathering of costumed participants. Parades, led by brass bands and folk groups, take over the streets. Street performances, dances and songs punctuate the day. The traditional throwing of oranges and confetti adds to the festive atmosphere. The evening often ends with fireworks or the symbolic burning of an effigy. In other words, carnival is more than just a party for many Walloons; it’s a time for intergenerational transmission and conviviality. The people of Wallonia take great pride in these traditions.

Focus on the Dragon Carnival in Emines (near Namur)

The Knights of Emines Carnival will take place on 1 and 2 February 2025. On Saturday 1 February, from 1pm, there will be a children’s carnival with a medieval village and indoor games. On Sunday 2 February at 12.30pm, a carnival dinner will be held at the Emines cultural centre. At 3pm, there will be a carnival procession. From 6pm, there will be a clash of children, ladies and titans, the lighting of the bonfire and a fireworks display. Information on the history of the Emines carnival is not given in the sources, but you can keep up to date via their website. 

For your information: Calendar of carnivals in Wallonia

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The current formator, David Leisterh (MR-french speaking liberal party), has been unable to form a regional government, leaving the region in a situation of precarious governance coupled with a financial situation that is worsening by the day. Brussels is facing a political impasse due to linguistic and ideological divisions between the French-speaking and Dutch-speaking parties. Politicians’ egos, the search for the « stinking valet »…: is all this compatible with good governance? 

The idea of a ‘European district’ for Brussels is not new, but if von der Leyen decided to impose it, it could offer several potential advantages. European funds could be used to improve transport infrastructure, thereby reducing urban congestion. Brussels would become an even more attractive hub for businesses and cultural organisations, simplifying administration for international residents and workers. Greater security would benefit this diplomatically crucial area, and the city-region could embody a model of sustainable urban development.

However, there could be many challenges and resistance to this proposal. Belgium could see this as a loss of control over its capital, requiring complex amendments to the European treaties. The balance of power between the EU and local governance would have to be carefully managed to ensure that local voices are not drowned out. It would nevertheless be a fine case of the multi-level governance so much advocated by European bodies such as the Committee of the Regions. On the other hand, funding such a project would raise questions of equity, and there would potentially be political opposition within Belgium and across Europe. Social integration could also be put to the test, with a risk of exacerbating cultural tensions.

In the current context, it is complicated to ask the opinion of the different political parties, whether they are French-speaking or Dutch-speaking. In any case, the governance of such a European district would require a mixed administration, combining local and European governance, with a commission where all levels of power would be represented. A direct European authority would be needed for issues of security, European infrastructure and specific urban planning, while ensuring local participation. Legislation would need to coordinate Belgian and European frameworks to avoid conflicts, and funding would be shared between the EU and Belgium, with specific funds for European projects.

Governance challenges include striking a balance between Belgian souverainty and European influence, ensuring the democratic representation of Brussels residents, adapting legislative frameworks, coordinating between Brussels-based institutions, and managing potential conflicts.

If von der Leyen chooses to impose this district, she would be navigating stormy political waters, requiring agreement between the EU, Belgium, and potentially the approval of other Member States. Such action would be seen as a major intervention by the EU in Belgian governance, putting the principles of subsidiarity and national souverainty to the test. 

In conclusion, although the idea of a European district for Brussels could solve some of the region’s concrete and current problems, it raises many questions about democracy, sovereignty and the future of European integration. The fear that von der Leyen could impose such a reform may well bring Belgian politicians back to reality, encouraging them to move away from ego battles and focus on forming a functional government and consensus to govern Brussels in the interests of all its residents. Perhaps that’s the most important thing: getting everyone around the negotiating table, isn’t it? 

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A challenge that calls for action

‘Donald Trump can be frightening. This fear can be beneficial in pushing European leaders to put aside their differences and work together’, says Letta. This bold analysis suggests that, faced with a potentially hostile US administration, European countries could be forced to step up their cooperation.

Towards a European defence

One of the most significant consequences could be the acceleration of the integration of European defence. Letta proposes three fundamental avenues: firstly, the creation of a common defence market. Letta made it clear that this would be a common market, not a single market, because defence cannot be subject to the rules of the free market like other sectors. Secondly, to finance this Europe of defence, he advocates the use of the European Stability Mechanism (ESM). This instrument, created during the financial crisis but little used, has substantial funds at its disposal that are currently without a precise destination. Lastly, it proposes agreements between the main defence industry producing countries to undertake common initiatives aimed at putting an end to the current fragmentation of this industry and thus reducing dependence on American military equipment. Picture: @European Union

Boosting Europe through a stronger single market

Letta stresses the importance of reforming and extending the European single market, with particular emphasis on the telecommunications, energy and financial services sectors. Greater integration in these areas would bring many benefits. It would reduce the current fragmentation, resulting in 27 separate national markets, and stimulate investment in research and innovation. Better use of European savings would also help to finance local businesses, while facilitating the resources needed for the green and digital transitions. This reform would also strengthen Europe’s competitiveness towards the United States and China, while creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

An opportunity for European unity

Although the possibility of a Trump presidency raises concerns, Letta sees it as an opportunity for Europe to pull itself together. ‘If we act like this, we play into the hands of the Americans, the Chinese and the Indians. Whereas if we get together, we’re stronger, and we’re capable of creating jobs, of having growth at home’, he asserts.

In conclusion, Enrico Letta’s message is clear: faced with the potential adversity represented by a new Trump administration, Europe has the opportunity to transform this challenge into a driving force for unity and progress. It is by putting aside their differences and working together that the countries of Europe will not only be able to face up to this situation, but also emerge stronger on the international stage.

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Celebrating 110 Years of Maserati

Autoworld is proud to present a unique exhibition celebrating 110 years of Maserati. The exhibition features a stunning collection of 48 rare Maseratis, showcasing over a century of mechanical excellence.

The cars are organized by different periods in Maserati’s history, with a special focus on its illustrious racing heritage. Visitors can admire a dozen unique race cars, including models on loan from the prestigious Panini Museum, some of which are being displayed in Belgium for the first time. The exhibition traces Maserati’s racing legacy from the Tipo 26 and the 250F to the MC12.

In addition to its racing history, the exhibition highlights Maserati’s role in defining the ‘Gran Turismo’ lifestyle, characterized by speed, style, and craftsmanship. From the A6 1500 to iconic models like the 3500 GT, Mistral, Ghibli, and Bora, Maserati has consistently embodied elegance and performance. Today, the brand continues to represent a blend of class and sportiness, as seen in the MC20 and other current models.

This exceptional exhibition is made possible through collaborations with Maserati Classiche, Maserati ACG Gent, CadyCars, Mistral Classics, and the Umberto Panini Motor Museum.

Visit the Exhibition

Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience 110 years of Maserati. The exhibition runs from December 20 to February 23 at Autoworld, offering a tribute to Italian passion, design, and speed.

For more information: visit Autoworld’s website.

Autoworld Museum Brussels, Parc du Cinquantenaire 11, 1000 Brussels (Metro Merode)

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The European Semester, an instrument for coordinating the economic and social policies of EU Member States, has seen its influence grow over the years. It has become the EU’s main policy framework, guiding investment and reform priorities for each Member State. However, despite its growing impact on national policies, this process remains largely unknown to the public and to local and regional stakeholders. The CEMR report highlights a major paradox: while the recommendations of the European Semester often concern the competences of sub-national governments, the latter are rarely consulted or involved in the decision-making process.

National recommendations with local consequences

Initially conceived as an economic tool, the European Semester has expanded to encompass areas such as fiscal policy, employment and sustainable development. The resulting country-specific recommendations (CSRs) can cover a wide range of areas, often falling within the remit of local and regional authorities. They include issues such as the state of public finances, the pension system reform, Education and innovation, Employment measures, the implementation of cohesion policy and the recovery plan, the Green and energy transition.

A centralised process that ignores the local realities

Despite the direct or indirect impact of the European Semester on local and regional governments, they are generally not consulted when recommendations are drawn up. This lack of involvement is all the more problematic given that local and regional authorities are often on the front line when it comes to implementing public policies. Their skills and resources are directly affected by decisions taken at European level, whether in terms of investment in the energy transition, employment policies or public services.

Concrete examples of lack of coordination

Several case studies show the consequences of this lack of dialogue between levels of governance:

• In Spain, the national government used the recommendations of the European Semester to include a budget surplus for local authorities in its own budget, without prior consultation.
• In Germany, European directives led to the exclusion of broadband infrastructure projects from cohesion funds, without any consultation with the local authorities concerned.
• In Austria, recommendations on limiting public spending have a direct impact on local budgets, without local authorities having been able to express their point of view.
• In Belgium, risks have been identified by associations of local authorities concerning potential savings that could be made on their allocations by the federal and regional levels, without consultation.
• In the Czech Republic, the lack of coordination between the European Union, the national government and local authorities has an impact on the ability of the latter to benefit from European funds, particularly small municipalities.

Clear demands for greater involvement

The CEMR report stresses the urgent need to reform the European Semester to ensure that local and regional authorities are better taken into account. The CEMR makes a number of recommendations, including

• Recognition of the essential role of local and regional authorities by the European institutions.
• Systematic consultation of local and regional government representatives in the validation of country-specific recommendations and in the preparation of national reform programmes.
• Establishment of regular exchange of experiences on the impact of investments and reforms resulting from the European Semester.
• Integration of territorial and governance impact assessments in the country reports, analysing the different levels of government involved in implementation.
• Taking account of the competences and resources of sub-national governments when defining objectives and proposed measures.
• Promotion of fiscal decentralisation and financial autonomy for local authorities.
• Introduction of a « golden rule ’ to preserve and encourage local and regional public investment in the long term.

Through this very practical approach, illustrated with concrete examples, this report shows that the European Semester, in its current form, is a centralised process that too often ignores the reality and specificities of the territories. It is crucial to rethink the way it works, so that local and regional authorities are seen as partners in their own right, and not simply as implementing decisions taken in the European bubble in Brussels and the national capitals. A multi-level approach and enhanced dialogue are essential to ensure the effectiveness and relevance of European public policies, and to respond to the challenges that European citizens face on a daily basis. The recommendations made by the CEMR offer a roadmap for achieving more inclusive and effective European governance.

The post The European Semester: When Cities and regions are not taken into account appeared first on Brussels Express.

A 20-metre-high Christmas tree and a 3D show on City Hall

This year, the 2024 Christmas tree does not come from a faraway forest. The search resulted in a 20-metre-high Nordmann from a private garden in Rixensart (Walloon Brabant). The tree, which had become a little too big, was donated to the City of Brussels by its owners, providing it with a setting worthy of its splendour. The lighting is magnificent, and the nativity scene is the main attraction of Christmas in the Grand-Place, except when the 3D video mapping is shown on the façade of the Town Hall, attracting the amazed gazes of spectators. 

An Unforgettable Experience

‘Plaisirs d’Hiver is above all an experience to be lived and shared. With its Christmas market, iconic attractions and rich cultural programme, it will continue to be the must-see event at the end of the year. Our aim is to consolidate this event to make it even more sustainable, and to involve as many people as possible from our neighbourhoods,’ says Philippe Close, Mayor of the City of Brussels.

Unmissable new features and the Var as guest of honour

This edition of Plaisirs d’Hiver also includes some exciting new features:

• The Village dedicated to the Var, the essence of Provence and the Côte d’Azur, with its 18 partners, a Provencal nativity scene with 300 santons, and themed events every weekend.
• An extension of the Christmas market: 11 additional stands on rue de la Madeleine and a Creators Factory market in the Galerie Bortier.
• Unique artistic installations:
  • Lucia, an immersive multimedia creation from Quebec in the courtyard of the Hôtel de Ville.
  • Echinodermus, a giant 11-metre luminary on the Mont des Arts, glittering as night falls.

A variety of events and performances (circus, dance, music, etc.) are organised throughout the Plaisirs d’Hiver. Through an economic, tourism and cultural partnership with the Var department, the City of Brussels is offering visitors to Plaisirs d’Hiver a unique opportunity to discover this popular destination for Europeans all year round. Expertise from the Var will be showcased in around ten Christmas market chalets, featuring a Provencal cot and a chalet dedicated to tourism promotion.

Come to the Place de la Bourse for olive oils, artisanal biscuits, black truffles, jams, beers, wines and the emblematic perfumes of the Var, all treasures that will awaken your senses and offer you an unforgettable encounter with the art of living in the Var, combining Provencal and Côte d’Azur traditions.

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Start your adventure with a shopping spree at L’Esplanade, Louvain-la-Neuve’s must-visit shopping centre. With shops ranging from fashion to technology, there’s something for everyone. Shops such as Zara, H&M and FNAC await you for a complete shopping experience.

After shopping, it’s time for a visit to the Hergé Museum shop. The Hergé Museum (but that’s for another time!) dedicated to the creator of Tintin is a real treasure trove for comic book fans. The shop, which was the focus of our escape, offers a variety of related items, perfect for unique and original Christmas gifts.

After your visit to the world of Tintin, take a beauty break at VIP Coiffure. This hairdressing salon, located in the heart of Louvain-la-Neuve between the Museum and the Esplanade, offers high-quality services to get you ready for the Christmas festivities. Whether you need a cut, colour or blow-dry, you’ll be in safe hands. What’s more, the owner, Calogero, will welcome Brussels-Express customers with a cup of coffee (but shhh, don’t tell anyone else!).

Round off your afternoon with a trip to the festive atmosphere of the Louvain-la-Neige Christmas Market. Situated between the Grand-Place and the Place de l’Université, this market features chalets filled with craft products, delicious treats and entertainment for all the family. Stroll around the stalls, sample local specialities and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Christmas.

This programme guarantees you a pleasant and festive afternoon, just 25 kilometres south of Brussels. Keep an eye on your watch so you don’t miss a spot!

Suggested timetable:

• 14:00 – 15:30: Shopping at the Esplanade
• 15:45 – 16:30: Visit to the Hergé Museum shop
• 16:45 – 17:30: Get your hair cut at the VIP Hairdresser’s
• 17:45 – 19:00: Stroll around the Christmas Market

Enjoy your visit and have a Merry Christmas! 🎄✨

The post A Magical Afternoon in Louvain-la-Neuve before Christmas: Shopping, Culture, Hairdressing and Christmas Market appeared first on Brussels Express.

Led by Artistic Director David Abrahamyan and President Konstantin Ishkhanov, ICCF brings together an illustrious lineup of musicians who will mentor young talents through an extensive series of masterclasses in an immersive approach that fosters collaboration across generations. Simultaneously, attendees will also experience these maestros in live performance, with a series of chamber performances highlighting masterpieces from across classical music.  

We sat down with David Abrahamyan, the Artistic Director of ICCF, to discuss his vision of this project, and his goals and ambitions as its launch draws closer. 

• What was the inspiration behind the ICCF, and what is your vision for this event?

There were a lot of inspirations that came from many places. My experience of living in Brussels was certainly one of them, as is the genuine sense of satisfaction and joy that I get from making music of the highest level with good friends, especially when you combine that with the crucial educational factor. However, most importantly, perhaps, was my friendship with Konstantin Ishkhanov, the President of ICCF, because this was the starting point of everything. As soon as this idea came to me, he was the first person who I went to speak to, because I know that we share both a similar passion for classical music, as well as the desire to see things done with excellence and dedication. I’ve long been aware of Konstantin’s many global successes with huge projects like the InClassica International Music Festival, Middle East Classical Music Academy, Accordi Musicali festival and Academy, and so many more, so I knew he would be the right person to help turn such a dream like this into reality, and in fact it proved true!

The vision is always to maintain the highest possible level of artistic excellency in combination with the crucial aspect — certainly for me at least — of educational excellency. My initial dream was to inspire young future players, students, and institutions; to connect the great masters of our time with the stars of the future, and to do all that in wonderful and historical locations like the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel. It is a wonderful honour, and to see young players get the opportunity of making music with great maestros like Claudio Bohorquez or Yossif Ivanov is always a very inspiring experience, both for us and for them, and it will definitely help to motivate them to improve and grow as musicians.

• The festival features both masterclasses and chamber concerts. How do you see the interplay between these two elements taking place?
  

Education is the key for everything in life, especially in this day and age, and an extremely important aspect of it is in performance. Ultimately, all of us musicians make the sacrifices and effort that we do in order to perform on stage, to make music and share our love for it with others like us. A chance to see wonderful professional musicians in action in live performances, and even having the opportunity to go on stage with them, as our Academy students shall have, is undoubtedly the best way to learn, grow and become inspired. 

• How does the collaboration with the QEMC contribute to this festival’s uniqueness?

Having such an incredibly wonderful institution like the QEMC, with its rich history in the music world, as a collaborator is a great honour for me, and indeed, for ICCF  itself. This is one of the examples of artistic excellency that we are seeking in our festival, and I am certain that this inimitable setting will both enrich the experience and help to inspire students and professors alike to leave a truly memorable and indelible mark in their musical journey.

• How has the experience of working alongside the organising committee been for you?

It has been truly remarkable! As I mentioned before, my friendship with Konstantin Ishkhanov was what transformed this idea into reality and made this wonderful project possible. His experience and very collaborative support of the team has made this journey into a wonderful trip with a very special destination that we deeply hope shall enrich and inspire our young musicians, as well as all the public who will be enjoying the wonderful performances that will be on offer. It is thanks to people like Konstantin Ishkhaov that such events can happen at all, and I am very grateful that there are people like him in our world of classical music!

• What do you hope the students will take away from working so closely with world-renowned musicians?

Inspiration, even more love and passion for music than I am sure they already possess, and a newfound dedication and willingness to take on the hard work necessary to grow into full musicians! These are all crucial elements which I hope they will be able to take with them, coupled with a realisation of the importance for maintaining artistic excellency in everything you do, and a resilience that will allow them to keep fighting to achieve their dreams and never give up. 

• Looking beyond the span of its duration, do you feel that this festival can have a role to play in fostering a broader appreciation of chamber music among local and international audiences?

Absolutely! This is only the first year, and it has already been a huge success. Before Konstantin and I even launched we already had countless applications for the masterclass sessions coming in through the QEMC, and the response from musicians who wished to perform and form part of this project has genuinely been truly overwhelming. This all points towards the growth of a cultural movement that we are looking to tap into and develop further in coming years. It’s still very early days of course, but among other things we are definitely hoping to be able to accommodate larger lineups, even more eclectic programmes, and a more comprehensive cultural outreach which will see the inclusion of lectures and seminars, colloquiums for students and teachers, as well as increased public involvement by incorporating elements such as public presentations of the programmes ahead of each performance, special concerts that will become social events in of themselves, and, last but not least, concerts aimed at the very young generation with the goal of igniting a newfound love for classical music within them.

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