In a time when armed conflicts continue to grip the world, the renowned Flanders Boys Choir brings a particularly timely masterpiece to the stage: Joseph Haydn's Missa in tempore belli (Paukenmis). With this large-scale project, the choir offers a fervent and contemplative plea for peace. The audience has the chance to attend this monumental work in Sint-Niklaas (Wapenstilstand) and Vlissingen.
Haydn composed the mass in 1796, at a time when the threat of Napoleon was very real. The tension and fear of that era resound unmistakably in the music. Especially the piercing drum roll of the timpani in the Agnus Dei evokes the approaching violence of war. Rather than ending softly, the work concludes with a grand Dona nobis pacem – a stirring musical cry for peace that has lost none of its force today.
Authentic Sound and Young Talent
For the performance, the Flanders Boys Choir joins forces with the orchestra La Deliziosa Continuazione. They play authentic, historical instruments, so the dramatic wind and timpani sections sound exactly as Haydn intended.
The artistic direction is in the hands of conductor Dieter Van Handenhoven, who has been the face of the choir since 1993 and, as a specialist in historically informed performance practice, guarantees musical depth.
The solo parts are performed by a promising quartet of young top soloists:
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Elles Venhuizen (soprano): Graduated cum laude from the Amsterdam Conservatory, won the Miluška Duffková Prize and has sung, among others, with De Nationale Opera.
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Hanna de Bruin (alto / mezzo-soprano): Earned her Master's degree at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, received the prestigious Bayreuth Scholarship and has sung at the Bayreuther Festspiele.
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Door Van Bergen (tenor): This 18-year-old talent is studying at the Conservatoire Royal de Liège, was named Young Belgian Talent 2025 and won the Grand Prix in Avignon.
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Alexander Van Goethem (bass): Former member of the Flanders Boys Choir, graduated from the Royal Conservatory Antwerp and a sought-after soloist with, among others, De Munt.
Programme
Alongside the Missa in tempore belli, the ensemble performs two further impressive works by Joseph Haydn:
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Insanae et Vanae Curae – Choir and orchestra
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4 Psalms (Psalms 26, 32, 41 and 69) – Soloists, small choir and small ensemble
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Missa in Tempore Belli (Kyrie, Gloria, Credo, Sanctus, Benedictus, Agnus Dei) – Soloists, choir and orchestra
Practical Information & Concert Dates
Sint-Niklaas (Belgium)
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Date: Wednesday 11 November 2026 (Armistice Day)
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Start: 19:00
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Venue: Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekerk, Sint-Niklaas
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Tickets: Book via Ticketkantoor Sint-Niklaas (Last tickets – almost sold out!)
Vlissingen (Netherlands)
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Date: Sunday 22 November 2026
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Start: 16:00
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Venue: Sint-Jacobskerk (Grote Kerk), Vlissingen
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Tickets: Book via Ticketkantoor Vlissingen (Tickets still available)