What’s on this week: 27 February to 5 March

Made in Asia lands in Brussels this weekend for an action-packed celebration of pop culture from China, Korea and especially Japan, the spring edition’s guest country. From Manga, anime, gaming, YouTubers and cosplay, it is the diversity of entertainment on offer that makes the festival so unique. Turn your hand to video gaming, join a craft workshop, stroll down Korean alley to watch some K-dance moves, cheer on the cosplay parade and work up an appetite for some tasty Asian street food. 27 February to 1 March, Brussels Expo, Place de Belgique 1

Autoworld celebrates Italian automotive excellence with the opening of Lancia 120 Years, Innovation through Passion, an exhibition marking the brand’s rich and unique heritage. Around 15 models trace Lancia’s story, from design innovation to their rally racing glory. Highlights include the groundbreaking Lambda and Aurelia B20, rare prototypes such as the Florida and PF200, and motorsport legends including the Stratos and Delta Integrale. The exhibition opening evening unfolds in a festive Italian atmosphere, with a DJ set, drinks and pizza as visitors explore the cars up close. 27 February to 19 April, Autoworld, Parc du Cinquantenaire 11

Kidzik is a month-long spring edition of the children’s music festival for one to 10-year-olds. The French-language event, now in its 14th edition, is packed with concerts, performances, films and workshops. It introduces kids to a variety of musical styles and will encourage them to sing and dance. Accompanying adults also require tickets for each concert/show. Pictured: Tout est bien qui finit bien at La Maison Qui Chante on 15 March. 1-31 March, locations across the city

Confabulations at WIELS Contemporary Art Center spans two decades of creative work by multidisciplinary artist Marie Zolamian. With her Armenian-Lebanese background, the Liège-based artist explores self-rootedness in a globalised world: mixing Western and Eastern influences in her fictional ethnographies. Alongside older works are newly commissioned ones, including a sound installation, that all resonate with the art space in the former brewery. Until 17 May, Avenue Van Volxem 354 (Forest)

Les Brigittines dance space launches a new annual festival, On the edge, seeking out extremes of performance that border on circus and even music. Movement takes on different forms in this programme of new works, premiere performances and concerts. 4-28 March, Petite Rue des Brigittines

The Brussels Philharmonic Chorus joins the Brussels Philharmonic Orchestra for the first time in a programme of exciting sacred works. Central to the evening is Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Æterna, alongside Arvo Pärt’s Magnificat and Solfeggio and Johannes Brahms’ Schicksalslied and Geistliches Lied. The concert also features a world premiere by Nasser Sahim Aljassim and Hymns of Freedom, marking International Women’s Day. Located at the Neo Classical marvel of the Church of Saint John Berchmans, the environment is likely to impact the prowess of the music. Tickets cost €15 for young adults and €25 for everyone else. 7 March 20.00, Avenue de Tervuren 32 (Etterbeek)

Book now The Brosella Spring Festival returns for its fourth edition with four nights of contemporary jazz in an intimate club setting at VOLTA in Molenbeek. Each evening features three live acts and a DJ, spotlighting album releases and new projects that reflect the diversity of today’s scene. A highlight is BXL x LDN Interplay III, bringing together young musicians from Brussels and London after a residency at VOLTA. With limited capacity, the festival offers a close up experience that complements Brosella’s summer edition by the Atomium. Tickets are on a pay what you can basis from €16 to €25. 25-28 March, VOLTA, Centre for Music, Rue Osseghem 53 (Molenbeek-Saint-Jean)

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

Discover the world of puppetry at the Mikmak Festival spread across venues in the west of the Walloon Brabant province. Aimed at showing how the medium is a living art, for adults as well as children, shows are staged in cultural centres as well as other performance venues to reach the heart of communities. There’s also workshops for schools and associations. 1-29 March, venues across Walloon Brabant

If you have yet to visit La Boverie’s current exhibition Robert Doisneau: Instants Données, this musical nocturnal event on Sunday evening is a perfect opportunity to discover work of the famed French street photographer. For one night only, wander through his iconic images while being serenaded by Parisian street singer Guy Léger. You can even enjoy a drink thanks to a special bistro recreated in the exhibition space. 28 February 18.30 & 20.30, Parc de la Boverie 3, Liège

An immersive installation invites visitors into a poetic world of living materials and fragile forms in Luca Vanello’s exhibition Withering into Breath, Wetness Undoes Itself at Z33. The art, design and architecture space presents the artist’s first solo show, which explores the process of photosynthesis in which plants extract energy from light. Free entrance. Until 12 April, Z33, Bonnefantenstraat 1, Hasselt

South Korean pianist Jaehong Park, winner of the 2021 Ferruccio Busoni International Piano Competition, joins the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra for a symphonic evening at the grand Queen Elisabeth Hall. Under the baton of chief conductor Michael Sanderling, Park performs Brahms monumental Piano Concerto No. 2, one of the most demanding and famous works in the repertoire. Known for his unique technique and refined musicality, the young pianist brings fresh energy to this classical masterpiece in what promises to be a highlight of the concert season. Tickets are available via the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra website, ranging from €17 to €79. 28 February 20.00, Queen Elisabeth Hall, Koningin Astridplein 26, Antwerp

Discover more upcoming events at The Bulletin's events page.

Photos: (main image) Made in Asia; WIELS Ensuquer, 2024 ©Marie Zolamian; Doisneau Instants Donnes La Boverie ©Tempora; Z33 Hasselt ©Luca Vanello