José van Dam & Friends
In order to mark the formal inauguration of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the 50th anniversary of the career of the illustrious Belgian singer José van Dam, a unique and prestigious concert is being organized against the fairytale backdrop of the park of the Royal Castle of Laeken.
Belgium will assume the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 July. This major responsibility, for which Belgium has been preparing for several years, will be governed by a new legal framework in 2010, following the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon. For Belgium, which has a reputation for excellence in the European institutions, this will merely increase the stakes.
In order to celebrate the start of its Presidency, the government has decided to sponsor an extraordinary concert by José van Dam in the prestigious surroundings of the Royal Castle and Greenhouses of Laeken and to make this the official inaugural event. This illustrious singer will be supported by artists from the three Communities in Belgium, all close friends of José van Dam from the world of singing and song, classical music and jazz.
They will be joined by two singers representing Spain and Hungary, to symbolize the passing of the torch from Spain to Belgium and from Belgium to Hungary. Backed by the La Monnaie orchestra and choirs and conducted by Patrick Davin, the concert will also prelude a weekend of popular festivities organized throughout the country.
Thus the year which marks the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union will also be an occasion for celebrating José van Dam as one of the most talented and famous singers of the last fifty years. José van Dam has performed in all four corners of the world, but remains true to his roots and committed more than ever to the musical and artistic life of his country.