Saturday 25 November 2017

The Plight of the Conservatoire Royal

Neo-Renaissance, this sculptured pile
With rich caryatids has style
A gem designed by Cluysenaer:
Brussels Royal Conservatoire.

The Director Gevaert's stony gaze
Recalls its embryonic phase
Music and drama's second home
Round a courtyard - sadly overgrown.

In Napoleon III décor
600 seats in concert hall
Its festivals are well attended
Its concerts highly recommended.

Piano, lute, violin, guitar
Its reputation on a par
With music festivals abroad;
Vast library with libretti stored...

Think Adolphe Max, Eugène Ysaÿe
Both household names in their own day
Who contributed to its renown;
Pity it is falling down!

Though attacked by damp and leaking roof
The Authorities remain aloof
Plaster chunks crash to the floor
Who knows how long it will endure ...

(c) Poet in the woods 2017



Founded: 1832. Circa 650 students from 5 continents  (75% non-Belgian)  study here.

1 comment:

  1. It really is a scandal that the authorities still haven't got their act together to save the Conservatoire, with its wonderful acoustics and friendly ambiance.

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