Queen Mathilde participated in a singing workshop at the Royal Theatre of La Monnaie in Brussels on Monday morning.
The workshop is a weekly activity organised by La Monnaie’s social programme. It brings together people from vulnerable situations or with physical or mental health issues to sing alongside children. The Queen sang with the participants and engaged in conversations with them.
Credit: Belga / Benoit Doppagne
Since 1999, the Royal Theatre of La Monnaie has run a social programme called 'A Bridge Between Two Worlds'. This initiative includes singing workshops held in prisons, nursing homes, and community centres. There is also a weekly intergenerational workshop focusing on French chanson at the theatre itself, which includes children from Brussels schools.
Credit: Belga / Benoit Doppagne
During the Queen’s visit, students from Tivoli Primary School sang with people from vulnerable backgrounds, including those who are illiterate, have disabilities, or face mental health challenges. "We can involve everyone," said choir director Stéphane Larçon. "It's about the joy of singing together."
Queen Mathilde of Belgium. Credit: Belga / Benoit Doppagne
For this special occasion, Queen Mathilde joined in. Johan De Vis, a regular participant, was thrilled: "It was fantastic. It's the first time I’ve seen her. It was really great that she sang with us."
Choir director Larçon also appreciated the royal visit, noting that the workshop proceeded as usual: "We were natural, with the spontaneity that happens every week. During the conversation with the Queen, I did notice that some participants struggled to find their words, as they were a bit in awe. But the Queen remained very simple and warm."
"She stood, sang, and joined in the rhythm like everyone else. It was delightful to see her fully immerse herself in our musical environment from the start, which immediately put everyone at ease."
Queen Mathilde of Belgium poses for a family portrait during a singing workshop at the La Monnaie/ De Munt opera house, in Brussels, Monday 17 March 2025. Credit: Belga / Benoit Doppagne
