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Christmas concert: a winter journey of light and stillness
A warm winter concert evening bringing peace, stillness, and soft light: that is exactly what the Vlaams Radiokoor’s traditional Christmas concert provides. This edition takes you on a journey through no less than five centuries of choral music, from understated Renaissance to glowing contemporary works.
It has been a steadfast tradition for over 25 years: in December, the Vlaams Radiokoor invites everyone to come together, pause the frantic pace of the holiday season, and find a moment of reflection through both well-known and hidden choral gems. Conductor Peter Dijkstra, an internationally acclaimed specialist in vocal music, has curated a refined and surprising programme that combines intimate, minimalist works with age-old Christmas classics.
The devout power of Anton Bruckner sets the tone immediately, opening a world of deep spiritual strength that transitions seamlessly into the bright, festive polyphony of Johannes Eccard. Jan Sandström’s dreamy arrangement of the old classic Es ist ein Ros entsprungen marks the shift towards the sophisticated French colours of Francis Poulenc and the contemporary voices of Gabriel Jackson and Morten Lauridsen: a warm sonic bath with shimmering harmonies that evoke a heavenly glow. To close, a tender and timeless Silent Night provides the ultimate Christmas experience.
Anton Bruckner Ave Maria
Anton Bruckner Virga Jesse
Peter Cornelius Die Könige (Weihnachtslieder, Op. 8)
Johannes Eccard Übers Gebirg Maria geht
Johannes Eccard O Freude über Freude
Jan Sandström/Praetorius Es ist ein Ros entsprungen
Francis Poulenc Quatre Motets pour le temps de Noël
Morten Lauridsen O Nata Lux
Gabriel Jackson Ave, Regina caelorum
Gottfried Wolters Maria durch ein Dornwald ging
Traditional (arr. H. Miessner) Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht
Peter Dijkstra conductor
Vlaams Radiokoor
Inti de Maet electric guitar
∙ 18:00 Christmas Carols sing-along
∙ 19:00 doors open
∙ 19:30 introduction: Sander De Keere
∙ 20:15 concert
∙ 21:25 end
Flagey, Studio 4 ∙ Place Sainte-Croix, 1050 Ixelles ∙ how to reach the venue
€31 (standard) ∙ €26 (65+) ∙ €15 (-30) ∙ €5 (-18)
A new tradition unfolds on the wintry square in front of Flagey. We invite everyone who loves to sing, clap their hands or hum to join us before the concert: put on your warmest coat, grab your Santa hat, and come warm yourself with some delightful Christmas sing-alongs.
The singers of the Vlaams Radiokoor will be there to lead the song – joining voices to brighten the dark December evening with the joyful sounds of traditional carols!
18:00-18:30 ∙ Place Sainte-Croix, 1050 Ixelles
Get into the holiday spirit!
There is no better way to count down to the holidays than with the comforting sounds of choral music. Immerse yourself in the warm, magical atmosphere of our Christmas concerts – and enjoy a selection of wonderful performances by the Vlaams Radiokoor.
Experience the serene beauty of Will Todd’s My Lord Has Come, recorded live in the majestic halls of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA), conducted by Bart Van Reyn. This intimate Christmas carol beautifully tells the story of the shepherds and the sages searching for the stable on Christmas night—a modern holiday gem filled with warmth and stillness.
A heartwarming classic: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by Hugh Martin & Ralph Blaine (arranged by Peter Gritton). Enjoy this ultimate holiday favorite from 1944, beautifully and deeply performed by the Vlaams Radiokoor under the direction of conductor Kaspars Putniņš.
video: Liesbet Peremans
Take a look behind the scenes and relive the warm, magical atmosphere of our Vocal Fabric: A Ceremony of Carols concerts. This aftermovie beautifully captures the ultimate winter coziness and the pure passion of the choir – the perfect way to get you in the mood for the upcoming Christmas concert.