Belgian Maestro Sir Dirk Brossé Returns to Shanghai
Shanghai recently welcomed one of Belgium’s most internationally recognised musicians: Sir Dirk Brossé, who returned to the city to conduct the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra (SSO) during the 2026 Music in the Summer Air (MISA) Festival.
With more than 500 concerts conducted around the world, Sir Dirk Brossé has built a remarkable career as a conductor, composer and educator. His work has taken him to some of the world’s leading orchestras and concert halls, while his music has connected audiences across cultures and continents.
His latest Shanghai visit centred around a special tribute to one of the most iconic film composers of all time: John Williams. Together with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, Sir Dirk brought legendary soundtracks from films including Star Wars, Schindler’s List, Harry Potter, E.T., and other cinematic masterpieces to life.
The performances formed part of the MISA Festival, Shanghai’s annual summer celebration of music. The programme was presented twice: first at the Jaguar Shanghai Symphony Hall on 18 July, followed by an outdoor performance as part of the festival’s wider programme.
For Sir Dirk, the connection with John Williams is also a personal and professional milestone. As an internationally recognised specialist in film music, he was appointed by John Williams as principal conductor for the worldwide tour celebrating Star Wars music, further strengthening his reputation as one of the leading interpreters of cinematic orchestral works.
This was far from Sir Dirk’s first connection with Shanghai. His collaboration with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra dates back more than two decades, and his return highlights the continued cultural exchange between Belgium and China through music.
Beyond the concert stage, Sir Dirk’s visit was also a celebration of Belgian creativity and international collaboration. His career demonstrates how culture can create connections across borders, bringing together artists, audiences and communities around shared experiences.
