The Royal Chorale Caecilia, also known as deCHORALE, is far more than an oratorio choir – it is a living legacy stretching back to the 19th century and remains a cornerstone of the Flemish choral landscape today. With over 120 singers, the choir brings major choral works to life while continuously seeking balance between tradition and innovation.
A unique story of origins and growth
Paul Dinneweth
The choir's official founding dates to 1916, but its roots run much deeper – to the mid-19th century, with Constance Teichmann, the 'Angel of Antwerp,' as an inspiring founder. In 1916, Lodewijk De Vocht transformed her women's choir into the mixed Chorale Caecilia, which gained international acclaim under his direction. The first performance was an a cappella program of Flemish Renaissance music, a fitting beginning for what would become a rich musical tradition. After De Vocht's departure in 1967, enthusiastic choir members established the Nieuw Ceciliakoor under the direction of Frits Celis. In 1971, Frans Dubois took over the baton and continued building the artistic legacy, including annual performances of Bach's St. John Passion. In 1988, the choir received the name Royal Chorale Caecilia. Since 2002, Paul Dinneweth has led the choir with an innovative approach that combines historical respect with contemporary presentation.
Inspiration from the master Bach
Bach remains the composer that inspires the choir most. His Passions continue to be received with great enthusiasm, and a survey among choir members revealed him as the most beloved composer. Other works are equally challenging: from Handel's Messiah and Verdi's Requiem to Flemish compositions such as the Passion according to Rubens by Herman Roelstraete. Conductor Paul Dinneweth finds his greatest satisfaction in working with talented amateurs: "With professionals, it's more obvious, but also more challenging, because they're much more critical. With amateurs, everything takes a bit longer, but you can go deeper emotionally and they give their all in the final moments. It's a unique feeling to achieve that."
Terry Janssen
The choice of repertoire is guided by the conductor's artistic vision and practical feasibility. Each project begins with careful budgeting, weighing whether a piece – with the necessary soloists, musicians, and rehearsal time – fits within the budget. "That's how we find the balance between ambition and reality, without compromising on quality or artistic impact," says chairman Terry Janssen. In recent years, the repertoire has evolved. Alongside traditional Passions and Requiems, deCHORALE now performs works by composers like Goodall, Blackford, and Theodorakis, as well as film scores by Zimmer, Morricone, and Williams. This diversification has not only broadened the musical horizon but also appealed to a wider audience.
Contemporary presentation of timeless works in a choir family creates memorable experiences
The current success of deCHORALE is due to creating contemporary concerts through modest staging, tailored lighting, creative formations, and the courage to think outside the box. The choir almost always collaborates with a director who helps develop the artistic concept, giving even familiar works a fresh interpretation. This approach has been a turning point: the moment when deCHORALE fully embraced her mission to deliver meaningful artistic experiences that touch both choir members and audiences. By making classical choral music accessible and collaborating with professional musicians, performances have reached ever-higher levels.
DeCHORALE is a colorful mix of trained and less trained voices from all walks of life. This diversity creates a wonderful dynamic and a rich tapestry of sound. Every new member receives a warm welcome, as the choir truly sees itself as a family. The dynamic is one of shared passion and dedication, with everyone willing to give their best. Beyond weekly rehearsals, the social committee organizes various activities to strengthen group spirit: informal gatherings, parties, and a proper choir trip. After each rehearsal, there's an opportunity to chat and unwind at the bar. Rehearsal Sundays and an annual choir weekend are regularly organized for intensive work on projects.
To ensure every voice is heard, the choir works with voice representatives for each section. They form a bridge between choir members and the conductor or board. There's also an ombudsperson choir members can turn to with concerns or problems. Through varying formations and sectional rehearsals, the group is strengthened musically, while social initiatives reinforce their bonds. The choir enjoys the luxury of a professional conductor, an excellent répétiteur, and a fantastic vocal coach – a privilege few choirs can afford. This guidance helps not only improve technical skills but also foster growth as an ensemble.
One of the most unforgettable performances was the rendition of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with Ballet Béjart Lausanne at Vorst Nationaal. The choir sang from memory, four times for sold-out crowds, wearing the original costumes from Béjart's legendary choreography. "When I think back to those performances and the overwhelming applause, I still get goosebumps," Janssen recalls. "All choir members completely agree: this was absolutely a highlight in deCHORALE's history." The opening of the Havenhuis and the reopening of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) remain special memories. It's a tremendous honor to sing at such prestigious events.
Challenges that strengthen
The greatest challenge that deCHORALE has overcome was undoubtedly Canto General by Mikis Theodorakis. With its complex rhythms and Spanish lyrics, this was a particularly demanding work. The choir rehearsed it intensively and organized extra workshops where choir members practiced together by voice part. This collective effort not only strengthened the musical result but also deepened the bonds between members. De Vocht's Korensymfonie was among the greatest challenges – a work that was practically created by 'his' choir alongside other De Vocht compositions, much like the annual Matthew Passion by Bach, which became a hallmark in Antwerp and far beyond.
Rejuvenating the choir remains an ongoing priority. Fortunately, deCHORALE sees plenty of energy in the organization. Auditions are held twice a year, and motivated singers consistently show up. Membership continues to grow, which gives confidence in a sustainable future. The choir's musical goals for the coming years remain closely tied to its mission: bringing meaningful artistic experiences through performances of oratorios and other vocal works. The choir wants to keep seeking a balance between tradition and innovation, with special attention to Flemish music. For the De Vocht year 2027, the choir plans to perform his Te Deum and Korensymfonie, among other works. On the wish list are Peter Benoit's Requiem, Vic Nees' Magnificat, and perhaps one day Elgar's Dream of Gerontius. "If we asked the choir members about this, we'd probably have enough ideas to fill our programming for the next ten years," laughs Janssen.
deCHORALE doesn't have much experience with electronic music or multidisciplinary projects yet, though the choir has worked with dance before. Perhaps video game music offers a unique opportunity to combine classical music with modern technology and interactive elements, which could be an exciting challenge for both the choir and the audience. It would be an interesting way to reach a younger audience.
Impact and Legacy
deCHORALE regularly receives feedback from the audience, both directly after concerts and through emails and comments choir members get from their supporters. All this feedback is collected and published on the choir blog. Listeners often share that they were deeply moved, and these reactions reinforce the sense that the music truly resonates. As an oratorio choir, deCHORALE might seem outdated – it's one of the last in Flanders. Yet the choir continues to fight for its place in the cultural landscape by presenting music from the past in a way that speaks to today's audience. It wants to show that classical works, despite their age, can still communicate powerfully and stir emotions. Whenever possible, deCHORALE is happy to give young musicians a platform so they can gain valuable experience. They can rely on the choir's years of experience, both musically and organizationally. It's important not only to share music but also to pass on knowledge and passion to the next generation.
Keep Believing in Great Works
Looking back, the conductor and board are especially proud of the choir's evolution, both in terms of membership numbers and musical quality. Recent performances bear witness to this with memorable productions of Bach's Passions, Handel's Messiah, Verdi's Requiem, Theodorakis' Canto General, and many others. deCHORALE is most proud of successfully completing major productions, both musically and financially. It's also remarkable to sell out large venues like the Elisabethzaal in Antwerp or the Concertgebouw in Bruges. These milestones confirm not only the choir's musical growth but also the trust and support of the audience.
The message to young musicians is clear: keep believing in our own composers and make them better known to a wider audience. By occasionally performing lesser-known works, the choir introduces audiences to good music that matters, sometimes by overlooked composers. deCHORALE continues to fight for a future where there is always room for performing great works. The intensity of the rehearsal process, the satisfaction of the performances, the many connections beyond rehearsals – these are all experiences that make singing in a choir so unique. And deCHORALE wants to continue sharing this unique feeling in the years to come, with both its members and its audience.
