choir choir choir

Ten years ago, the Flemish choral world bid farewell to a true pioneer, Vic Nees (1936-2013). As a passionate advocate for innovative choral music and a gifted composer, conductor, and educator, his legacy left a profound impact.

A decade after his passing, the Vlaams Radiokoor and Koor&Stem seize the opportunity to honor Vic Nees in a special way. The In Memoriam concert series not only encompasses Nees' own compositions and the work of young composers but also an exciting collaboration with amateur choirs. Meet the ten amateur choirs that are part of this unique celebration and discover what they will present during this musical journey.

read also: A Tribute to Choral Music

Vlaams Radiokoor

In Memoriam is part of a series of commemorative concerts marking the tenth anniversary of Vic's passing. Each concert brings together the professional singers of the Radiokoor with amateur choirs, merging Nees' masterpieces with contemporary compositions.

Furthermore, you can delight in the two winning entries from the Vic Nees Composition Competition, where composition students from part-time art schools and conservatories could participate. Out of 35 submissions, the jury selected Stijn Dierckx's Lorem Ipsum (°1990) and José Retra's Le Secret (°1962).

Every concert culminates with Nees' Aachener Ave Maria from 2005, originally composed for Fritz ter Wey and Der Junge Chor Aachen, performed alongside the Vlaams Radiokoor.

+ Incantatio o.l.v. Jos Venken

22.10.2023 Genk 👉 info & tickets

Vic Nees Gisekintripiek
Kurt Bikkembergs (°1963) Trois chansons

+ Viermaliks* & Tom Johnson
+ Brussels Young Adult Choir** & Johannes Dewilde

25.10.2023 Leuven 👉 info & tickets

* Vic Nees La Dama d’Aragó / Pera stus pera kambus / Uti vår hage / Minun kultani
* Michiel Verfaillie (°1980) Anna Maria dancing nun / L’amour à l’aube / The sad tale of An Mari

PREMIERE based on 4 works from Teergeliefde in tien talen. Michiel Verfaillie wrote connecting pieces.

** Noah Thys (°1992) Een Verbena
** Lara Denies (°2000) Dansend door het Duister
** Vic Nees O Song

+ Polyfoon* & Lieven Deroo
+ Vox Veroni** & Anja Dierickx
+ BeVocaL & Benoît Giaux & Jori Klomp

29.10.2023 Brussels 👉 info & tickets

* Geert D’hollander (°1965) Calligo terrae scinditur
* Vic Nees Passio Super Galli Cantu, prologus & Pars 1
* Rudolf Mauersberger (1880-1971) Wie liegt die Stadt so wüst

** Lara Denies (°2000) Bitterzoet
** Vic Nees Sur le pont

*** Vic Nees Fünf Motetten
*** Benoît Chantry (°1975) So will be the coming (premiere)

+ Helicante* & Wouter Versavel
+ Basaltes** & Wouter Versavel

04.11.2023 Grimbergen 👉 info & tickets

* Vic Nees Sur le pont
* Michiel Verfaillie (°1980) Mon dieu je rêve

** Paul Quintens, arr. Johan Favoreel (°1957) Berceuse
** Vic Nees Liedjes voor de slapelozen

+ Vocaal Ensemble Eufonia*& Els Bode
+ De 2de Adem** &Maarten Van Ingelgem

05.11.2023 Antwerpen 👉 info & tickets

* Vic Nees Tota Pulchra es / Musica, Solamen et Gaudium
* Eva Ugalde (°1973) Dzanga

** Vic Nees De avond
** Maarten Van Ingelgem (°1976) De ochtend (Recitativo) / De ochtend (Koraal)