NEWS & PUBLICATIONS

Events of Interest

Last Call for Planet Earth
Altiplano
The Legend of Pale Male
Making Belgian-American ventures successful
Belgian film at the American Film Institute
Solvay visits Residence
Strobe Talbott Decorated
Screening of Documentary
Belgian Chamber Music Concerts
Choral Arts Society
Kid's Euro Festival
Belgium’s National Day Reception
Belgium’s National Day in Norfolk
Belgian beer pairing dinnner
Belgian Competes in DC Triathlon
Ambassador and Mrs. Matthysen host Pre-Ball Dinner
15th Anniversary Washington Flanders Club
Violinist Ray Chen wins Queen Elisabeth Competition
Embassy Open House Day
White House visits (nederlands) (français))
Dutch Courses at the Embassy

Last Call for Planet earth

LAST CALL FOR PLANET EARTH (USA/ France/ Germany/ Japan/ Canada/ Austria/ Finland/ Brazil/ United Kingdom/ China/ Italy/ Belgium, 2008, 74 min.)

Twelve leading architects and urban planners from around the world share their vision on architecture that respects nature. Focusing on people who care about our future and who want to make a difference, the film is a reflection on the value society places on the built environment and how architecture influences society. Directed and produced by Jacques Allard. Nominated among the five best projects of Sustainable Energy 2007/2008.

Introduced by J.D. Talasek, Director, Cultural Programs, National Academy of Sciences.
Panel discussion, facilitated by architect Susan Piedmont-Palladino, Curator, National Building Museum, follows screening.

When: Saturday, March 27, 6:00 p.m.
Where: National Academy of Sciences

Altiplano

ALTIPLANO (Belgium/Germany/Netherlands, 2009, 109 min.) Set in the breathtaking Peruvian high Andes, this deeply affecting film parallels and intertwines the destinies of two strong women. War photographer Grace has just returned from a devastating tour of Iraq only to say farewell to her husband who is working as an eye-surgeon near Turubamba, where village beauty Saturnina is the protector of the Blessed Virgin and is about to marry her beloved Ignacio. When a mercury spill contaminates the area, the villagers direct their outrage at the visiting doctors. Directed by Peter Brosens and Jessica Hope Woodworth.

When: Tuesday, March 23, 7:15 p.m.
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center,

Family Concert: Christian Merveille

His singing career has spanned 25 years. He has composed over 400 songs and numerous rhymes. He has performed in all the French-speaking countries, has written many books, and has enchanted several generations of children. He gave his last “European show” in Belgium – his home country - last December. But it is right here, in Washington that he will sing (in French) on stage for the very last time, accompanied by accordionist Philippe Hacardiaux.

WHERE: La Maison Française, Embassy of France,

The Legend of Pale Male

An award-winning feature-length film by Belgian director Frederic Lilien, will be shown as part of the DC Environmental Film Festival.

A discussion with Frederic Lilien will follow the screening.

THE LEGEND OF PALE MALE
This is the true story of how one hawk lays claim to Central Park and sets in motion a chain of events that will unite New York City behind his cause. He inspires a young man to become a filmmaker and together they set out on a 16-year journey through life, death, birth, hope and redemption. Known as “Pale Male,” the hawk becomes a magnificent obsession and a metaphor for triumph against all odds. His nest, perched on a posh Fifth Avenue co-op, becomes an international tourist destination – a place of pilgrimage. Then, without warning, the residents of the building decide to dismantle the bird’s nest. New Yorkers discover just how deep their connection to nature really is and how much they are willing to fight for it. Winner of the Best People & Nature Program and Best Writing Award, 2009 Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival.

When: Saturday, March 27
Where: Baird Auditorium in

MAKING BELGIAN-AMERICAN VENTURES SUCCESSFUL

1st BACC event in Chicago on March 20th: While building a successful corporate Belgian image, the Belgian-American Chamber of Commerce is targeting the Mid-West and reaches out to the Belgian-American community in the larger Chicago-Detroit area.

The BACC strategy is focused in on “making meaning” while becoming better professionals and entrepreneurs. You are all invited to be part of this exciting venture. After the presentation, we will enjoy a Belgian beer pour ritual at the Stella Artois Draught Academy.

The Belgian American Chamber of Commerce requests the pleasure of your company to the 1st BACC event in Chicago: MAKING BELGIAN-AMERICAN VENTURES SUCCESSFUL

Stella Artois Draught Academy
111 West Campbell Street- 3rd Floor
Arlington Heights, IL 60005

THURSDAY, MARCH 25th, 2010, 6:30PM
RSVP by March 20th, 2010
For RSVP please contact Tamara Zouboff at 212-541-0779 or email info@belcham.org

Please make sure you receive a confirmation email

Belgian film at the American Film Institute

Belgium will be represented in this year’s European Union Film Showcase by A TOWN CALLED PANIC [Panique Au Village] This surreal adventure in stop-motion animation and oddball comedy is the feature film spin-off of the Belgian TV series, which enjoys an international cult following, (and has been aired in dubbed version on Nicktoons).

Three Plasticine characters, Cowboy, Indian and the sensible but temperamental Horse, navigate a series of manic adventures, from Cowboy and Indian’s Internet birthday barbeque that wrecks their house, to the trio’s travels to the center of the earth, the arctic tundra, and an underwater realm populated by perfidious pointyheads.

Co-directors Stephane Aubier and Vincent Patar supply most of the manic voice talent, with guest spots given to Jeanne Balibar (VA SAVOIR) and Benoit Poelvoorde (MAN BITES DOG). Fans of Art Clokey’s Gumby, Monty Python’s Flying Circus, South Park and Robot Chicken will find much to like. DIR/ SCR Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar. Belgium/Luxembourg/France, 2009, color, 75 min. In French with English subtitles.

Screenings will take place on Saturday, November 7 at 7:00 p.m. and on Sunday, November 8 at 1:00 p.m.AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center is located at 8633 Colesville Road in Silver Spring, Maryland.

For more information, please visit www.afi.com/silver/new

Solvay visits Residence

During a networking-dinner on October 14th at their Washington Foxhall Residence, Ambassador and Mrs. Jan Matthysen welcomed Mr. Christian Jourquin, CEO of the Belgian chemicals giant Solvay. Also present were Sen. John Isakson of Georgia and former Rep. Cal Dooley, currently CEO of the American Chemistry Council, as well as René Degrève, CEO of Solvay North America and other members of the company’s leadership.

The sale of Solvay’s Pharmaceuticals Business to Abbott, announced a few days earlier, naturally attracted a lot of interest during the event, and was the occasion for Solvay’s CEO to underline that the USD 7.8 billion proceeds of this divestment from the pharmaceutical sector would be reinvested in internal and external growth, focused on long term value creation.

Welcoming the fact that this sale would eventually allow Solvay to actually strengthen its strategy of increased presence in the US, Ambassador Matthysen said :”Solvay’s innovative and human-capital centered investment policy in the US enhances its status as a major American player in several industry sectors, and at the same time into a respected and trusted member of the U.S. manufacturing community, as evidenced by it’s leading role in the American Chemistry Council's Responsible Care initiative”.

Strobe Talbott Decorated

On October 27, Ambassador Jan Matthysen presented a Belgian decoration, Grand Officer in the Order of the Crown, to Strobe Talbott, President of the Brookings Institution. The distinction was bestowed by His Majesty King Albert, King of the Belgians. The ceremony took place at the Belgian Residence, in front of an audience of the honoree’s colleagues, family and friends, and included a performance of movements from Bach’s Concerto in D Minor for 2 Violins.

Ambassador Matthysen cited Belgium’s appreciation for the former Deputy Secretary of State, former Ambassador-at-Large, journalist and author. “Over many years Strobe Talbott has been for Belgian diplomacy and its representatives in Washington, as well as in Brussels, an inspiring and extremely helpful colleague…Empathy, precision, logical rationality and clear formulations are what we want to honor and what we admire in this exceptional American and Citizen of the World.”

In accepting the decoration, Talbott reminisced about visits to Belgium and spoke of the centrality of Brussels in what he considers “the greatest political experiment of our era” – the creation of the European Union.

Belgian Ambassador hosts screening of documentary on Belgian-American relations.

On October 5, Ambassador and Mrs. Matthysen turned the library of their residence into a temporary theatre to accommodate a screening of the film “An Invisible Bridge,” a documentary on the historical ties connecting Belgium and the United States. The show was produced last year by the U.S. Embassy in Brussels in connection with an exhibition called “From Explorer Ships to Partnerships: 175 Years of U.S.-Belgian Relations” and was presented at the residence by former U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Sam Fox.

The ‘invisible bridge’ of the title was a powerful metaphor for the exchange between the two countries that has continued non-stop from the 17th century to the present. Opening images of the Walloons who took part in the founding of Manhattan were followed by descriptions of ensuing missionaries, immigrants, and investors. From the American side, the bridge was a conduit of crucial aid during and after the two World Wars, and of on-going corporate investment in Belgium. The film included many images of Belgian leaders meeting with their American counterparts and stressed the commonality of interest in foreign affairs and the wonderful friendship that has always existed between the peoples of both countries.

Among the guests at the screening were a Justice of the Supreme Court, several current members of the U.S. Congress, ambassadors and other prominent Washingtonians.

Belgian Chamber Music Concerts

The National Gallery’s Music Department devoted a concert to works by Belgian composers of the late 19th century, in honor of the exhibition “The Darker Side of Light: Arts of Privacy 1850-1900”. This exhibition is currently on view at the National Gallery of Art, and includes works by Belgian artists James Ensor, Félicien Rops and Fernand Khnopff.

The program was performed by the National Gallery Piano Trio in the Gallery’s West Garden Court on Sunday, October 18 to a full house and, on the following evening, an abbreviated version was performed for Ambassador Matthysen’s guests at the Belgian Residence. Featured on the program were César Franck’s Trio de Salon, Henri Vieuxtemps’ Trio concertant sur l’Africaine and Joseph Jongen’s Trio pour piano, violon et violoncelle.

The Ambassador expressed his gratitude for the focus on Belgium to two National Gallery officials who were involved with the exhibition and the concert: Mr. Peter Parshall, Curator of “The Darker Side of Light,” and Mr. Stephen Ackert, head of the Gallery’s Music Department.

Choral Arts Society

To help kick off the 45th Anniversary season of the Choral Arts Society, Ambassador and Mrs. Matthysen opened their Residence on October 15 to host a benefit reception for the Washington-based Choral Arts Society. Over 100 guests attended.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Belgium Tom Korologos, a member of the Choral Arts Society’s Board of Directors, was on hand to introduce a sampling of vocal selections ranging from the classic to the contemporary, performed by a small group of singers under the baton of Choral Arts Society artistic director Norman Scribner. The Embassy applauds the Choral Arts Society’s pursuit of excellence in choral repertoire and performance, and its commitment to promote and share the art of choral music through education and public outreach. We are very pleased to be among the Society’s embassy partners.

Kid's Euro Festival

There will be three Belgian events – a performance, a storytelling workshop and a film – in this year’s Kids Euro Festival:
-“Waiting for Julio” a performance featuring mime, humor, song and acrobatics (and some Spanish) starring Angel Ramos Sanchez, on Saturday, October 17 at 12 noon and 2 p.m. at the House of Sweden, 2900 K Street, N.W., and on Monday, October 19 at 6 pm. at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage
-“Une Histoire Bizarre à Botassart” by Marie-Isabelle Callier, storytelling and illustration workshop, on Sunday, October 25 at 2 p.m. in French and 4:00 pm. in English at La Maison Française, Embassy of France
-“A Town Called Panic” an animated film, in French with English subtitles, on Saturday, October 31 at 4 p.m. at La Maison Française, Embassy of France.

There is no admission charge for these events. Please note that reservations are required for both the storytelling workshop and the film, but not the performance. Make your reservations at: www.kidseurofestival.org

Belgium’s National Day Reception at the Residence of the Belgian Ambassador

An official reception was held at the Residence of the Belgian Ambassador on the occasion of the National Day on July 21st. This commemorates the day Leopold I took his oath as the first King of Belgium on July 21, 1831.

This year 450 guests attended the reception including officials from the government, from the military, commercial, cultural and educational communities, and representatives of the Diplomatic Corps.

Many booths in the Residence’s garden presented Belgian cuisine, beers, chocolates and waffles which were - once again - very much appreciated.

Click on image for larger view

Belgium’s National Day in Norfolk

Belgium’s National Day at Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk

Norfolk, Virginia, is home to NATO’s only strategic command located in North America, Allied Command Transformation (ACT). Several members of the Belgian armed forces are employed at ACT, which is committed to the continuous improvement of NATO’s military capabilities. Belgian National Day was celebrated at ACT with a flag raising ceremony. Staff members, their families and friends, and members of the Belgian community were invited to the celebration. Two members of the Belgian Embassy hit the road to Norfolk in order to participate in the ceremony.

Belgian beer pairing dinner

On July 16, Washington-area food critics were invited to expand their knowledge of Belgian food and beer pairings at the Residence of the Belgian Ambassador. Bart Vandaele, Executive Chef of Belga Café, and Jan Pieter Van Haute, Executive Chef of the Belgian Embassy, pooled their talents to create an eight-course tasting menu which incorporated a number of Belgian delicacies. Each meticulously prepared and beautifully presented course was paired with a Belgian brew.

Click here for a copy of the menu.

Belgian Competes in DC Triathlon

On Sunday, June 21 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Dextro Energy Triathlon ITU World Triathlon Championship – swimming, biking and running -- will take place in Washington, DC. Peter Croes, a Belgian triathlete and Olympic hopeful, is scheduled to compete and will be racing from 9:10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Members of the Belgian Community are welcome to come down to the grandstand at Pennsylvania Avenue and 11th St., N.W. to cheer him on. (The grandstand will provide a good vantage point as the triathletes will pass through the finish line arena 12 times.)

For more information, please visit www.washingtondc-triathlon.org

Ambassador and Mrs. Matthysen host Pre-Ball Dinner

The Opera Ball – an annual event to benefit The Washington National Opera – is one of Washington’s most prestigious social events. This year’s Opera Ball took place on Friday, June 5 at the residence of the German Ambassador. Immediately preceding the ball, 27 embassies, including the Embassy of Belgium, hosted dinners for ball guests. This on-going tradition provides an opportunity for the international community to support one of Washington’s outstanding cultural institutions. The photos feature Ambassador and Mrs. Matthysen and some of their pre-ball dinner guests.

15th Anniversary Washington Flanders Club

On Sunday June 14, 2009, Ambassador and Mrs. Matthysen hosted the members of the Washington Flanders Club on the grounds of the Belgian Residence on the occasion of the annual brunch of the club. This year the celebration marked the 15th anniversary of the club. In addition to a Belgian BBQ and dessert buffet prepared by Executive Chef Jan Pieter Van Haute, there was live music, a moon bounce and face painting.

Violinist Ray Chen wins Queen Elisabeth Competition

Twenty-year-old Australian violinist Ray Chen won 1st prize at the 2009 Queen Elisabeth of Belgium International Music Competition, considered to be one of the most demanding and rigorous competitions in the music world. Second prize went to Lorenzo Gatto (Belgium) and third prize to Ilian Arnet (Moldavia).

Ray Chen began to play the violin in his homeland; later, at the age of 15, he was accepted into the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, where he still works with Aaron Rosand. He has also studied with David Cerone, Pamela Frank, and Joseph Silverstein. He gave his first concert at the age of eight with the Queensland Philharmonic Orchestra; the following year he was invited to play at the opening ceremony for the Winter Olympics in Japan.

In 2008 he won first prize at the Yehudi Menuhin Competition; since then he has performed in a number of countries with various orchestras, including the Mariinsky Symphony Orchestra and the State Symphony Orchestra of Azerbaijan. Earlier this year he won first prize at the Young Concert Artists International Auditions in New York. On December 8, 2009 Ray Chen will give a recital at the Kennedy Center Terrace Theater.

The Queen Elisabeth Competition has a history that goes back to the late 1930’s. Open to young musicians between the ages of 17 and 27, it is devoted to violin once every three years; in the intervening years, it features piano and singing as well as competitions for composers. Ray Chen joins an impressive roster of Queen Elisabeth prizewinners including Leonid Kogan, Leon Fleisher, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Lazar Berman, Jaime Laredo, Malcom Frager, Gidon Kremer, Mitsuko Uchida, Emmanuel Ax….to mention but a few.

www.concours-reine-elisabeth.be

Open House Day at the Embassy

On May 9 the 27 Embassies of the European Union and the Delegation of the European Commission to the United States opened their doors to the Washington public for a day of enjoying the unique treasures of the diverse EU cultures.

Belgium participated with three movie presentations as well as many food and drink specialties.

With approximately 2.200 visistors for our Embassy the day was a great success! Thus show the comments we received from people who visitde our Embassy

"Good afternoon! I went to many embassies last weekend and was so impressed by the Belgian Embassy. I loved learning more about Belgium and everyone was incredibly friendly. The chocolate, the waffle, the cookies, the juice, and the beer were all extremely welcome -- thank you very much!"

J. Little

"We visited your embassy yesterday, and wanted to let you know how we enjoyed it, and how well organized it was, with nice things to do and friendly people everywhere. We ate chocolates, drank some beer, watched interesting movies, learned about lace making, and even got to see the ambassador’s office. All that was missing was Tintin!
Best wishes and thank you!"

J. and G. Halford-MacLeod

White House visits

The Embassy of Belgium receives, occasionally, requests from Belgian citizens to assist in the organization of visits to the WHITE HOUSE. The restrictions imposed by the American authorities are of a nature (e.g. visits have to be organized at least 6 months in advance) which prevents any effective assistance from the Embassy.

The situation regarding the White House tours is as follows:

Requests have to be submitted 4 to 6 months in advance.
Groups have to be a minimum of 10 or more.

Applications should be sent to: Washington@diplobel.fed.be

Please note that the Embassy does not guarantee any visit as the permission for the tour is totally dependent on the White House which decides every case after a thorough security check and on a first come first served basis.

Rondleidingen op het Witte Huis

De Belgische Ambassade ontvangt op regelmatige basis verzoeken van Belgische burgers om deel te nemen aan georganiseerde rondleidingen op het WITTE HUIS. De opgelegde beperkingen door de Amerikaanse overheden zijn echter van die aard dat elke bijstand vanuit de Ambassade met betrekking tot dergelijke georganiseerde bezoeken uitgesloten wordt (bijvoorbeeld: bezoeken moeten tenminste 6 maand op voorhand aangevraagd worden).

De situatie met betrekking tot rondleidingen op het Witte Huis is de volgende:

- Aanvragen moeten 4 tot 6 maanden op voorhand ingediend worden

- Groepen moeten uit minstens 10 personen of meer bestaan

Alle aanvragen dienen verzonden te worden naar: Washington@diplobel.fed.be

Gelieve te noteren dat de Ambassade geen enkele rondleiding kan garanderen. De toelating tot een rondleiding is volledig afhankelijk van het Witte Huis die over elke aanvraag afzonderlijk beslist na een grondig veiligheidsonderzoek en naar datum van aanvraag.

Visites de la Maison Blanche

L’Ambassade de Belgique reçoit de temps à autre des demandes d’assistance de citoyens belges pour organiser des visites de la Maison Blanche. Les restrictions imposées par les autorités américaines empêchent l’Ambassade de leur procurer une aide efficace étant donné que :

- ces demandes doivent être soumises 4 à 6 mois à l’avance et que

- les groupes doivent être composés d’au moins 10 personnes.

Veuillez présenter vôtre demande à: Washington@diplobel.fed.be

De plus, l’Ambassade ne peut garantir l’organisation de la visite demandée, la permission dépendant entièrement de la Maison Blanche qui décide cas par cas, après avoir effectué une enquête de sécurité approfondie. Les demandes sont prises en considération sur base du « premier arrivé, premier servi ».

Dutch Courses at the Embassy

The Embassy of Belgium organizes Dutch Language Courses at the Embassy end of September of every year.

Classes are open to all interested parties over the age of 16. Groups are formed according to proficiency. No prior knowledge of Dutch is required in order to enroll.

All levels are taught by experienced Dutch language instructors (native speakers).

There are 28 weeks of class, spread over the fall and spring semester. At the end of the school year a certificate can be provided to those students who attended classes on a regular basis (minimum 20 classes).

For more details you can open the enclosed information form in PDF or MS Word format

In order to register, the enclosed registration form, available in PDF or MS Word format, needs to be returned to the Representation of Flanders at the Belgian Embassy (one form per student!!!). The deadline for this year is September 25, 2009.

Enclosed form should be filled out and mailed to the following address,

Embassy of Belgium
3330 Garfield St. NW
Washington, DC 20008

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