On Friday 25 and Saturday 26 November, the Antwerp Symphony Orchestra presents De Oorlog by Peter Benoit for the first time in nearly 30 years, a unique, once in a generation opportunity to experience the monumental work by the Flemish composer. Radio stations Klara and NPO Radio 4 will broadcast the Friday concert from Utrecht. In his hometown Antwerp, the orchestra organizes a colloquium on Saturday about the composer, his work and his connection to Antwerp.
De Oorlog is undoubtedly the greatest work that Flemish composer Peter Benoit has written. The magnum opus of the Flemish composer is a poignant indictment of the madness of war, and for this reason remains strikingly relevant even after nearly 150 years.
The two concerts by Antwerp Symphony are unique once in a generation performances of the work. After the world premiere in 1873, De Oorlog was performed several times, but the work fell into disuse in the second half of the twentieth century. The previous performance dates from 1993, nearly thirty years ago.
No wonder, as this monumental work requires more than 250 musicians, including three choirs (Groot Omroepkoor, Laurens Collegium and Octopus Kamerkoor), a children's choir (Waelrant Kinderkoor+), seven soloists and a hundred-strong orchestra. Benoit's hefty score ranges from martial choirs and breathtaking orchestral outbursts to memorable solos and moving scenes. Over 150 voices sing texts by Flemish poet Jan Van Beers, a poignant indictment of the madness of war.
The concert in Antwerp is virtually sold out, for the concert in Utrecht there are still a few places available. Info & tickets via www.antwerpso.be/deoorlog
Radio stations Klara and NPO Radio 4 will both broadcast the concert of Friday 25 November live.
Antwerp music history
In the context of De Oorlog, Antwerp Symphony organizes an in-depth colloquium in collaboration with Davidsfondsacademie on Saturday 26 November. From 15:30 onwards, experts Hedwige Baeck-Schilders, Jan Dewilde and Hannah Aelvoet explore the life of Peter Benoit, De Oorlog and Antwerp concert life from the 19th century.
That same afternoon, the brand new book 'Koningin Elisabethzaal: 125 years of classical music. From wooden kiosk to golden hall' will also be presented. The prestigious book about the history of Antwerp's classical concert life will be published on 30 November by Hannibal Books.
All information about this can be found at www.antwerpso.be/colloquiumbenoit