Opus for Michael

The first contact between François Glorieux and Michael Jackson took place on 9th March, 1987.

After listening very attentively to François' arrangements of his greatest hits, the American Superstar was filled with enthusiasm. Moreover he declared himself "intrigued" by the personality of the Belgian musician.

This was the start of a long and regular correspondence between the two artists.
Then the seemingly impossible happened. Michael Jackson agreed to meet François Glorieux on 2nd May, 1989.
During this meeting they exchanged ideas for more then two hours and afterwards came to the conclusion that they shared many similar views.

After listening several times to his own hits adapted by François on CD, Michael expressed his huge admiration of the work along these lines: “His orchestra is amazing... François belongs to that race of musicians who are exceptional... I find his orchestral arrangements of my compositions fascinating... I have asked him personally to carry on in the same way".

Less than a year later they met again to listen and discuss the symphonic version of “Liberian Girl”. The following day Michael organized a photo shoot during which more than a hundred photos were taken.

In 1992 and 1993 symphonic versions of “Bad” and “Smooth Criminal”, arranged by François and played by the “National Symphony Orchestra” (London) conducted by François himself, were greeted with triumphant success.

As well as several hits, this CD feautures eight compositions which attempt to capture the essential spirit of the Superstar - his zest for life, his sensuality, his passion for dancing, his love of both romantic ballads and Latin-American jubilance. But there is also his longing for the past, his loneliness and even at times his total self-seclusion.

When François Glorieux heard of the death of Michael Jackson he wrote the moving “In memoriam Michael Jackson” for either string quartet or piano solo.

François Glorieux suggested that his talented Czech colleague Richard Pachman, with whom he had collaborated on several previous occasions, should write a text and sing the ballad "Still Hoping for Peace”, which was especially loved by Michael Jackson.