The Royal Choral Society Caecilia, also known as deCHORALE, is more than an oratorio choir – it is a living heritage dating back to the 19th century and remains a permanent fixture in the Flemish choral landscape today. With more than 120 singers, the choir brings major choral works to life and continuously seeks a balance between tradition and innovation.
A unique story of origin and growth
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Paul Dinneweth[/caption]
The official founding of the choir dates from 1916, but its roots reach much further back – 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 fame under his direction. The first performance was an a cappella programme featuring 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 on the artistic growth, notably with annual performances of Bach's St. John Passion. In 1988, the choir received the name Royal Choral Society Caecilia. Since 2002, Paul Dinneweth has led the choir with an innovative approach that combines historical respect with contemporary presentation.
Inspiration from master composer Bach
Bach remains the composer who inspires the choir most. His passions continue to be received with great enthusiasm, and a survey among choir members identified him as the most beloved composer. Other works continue to challenge just as much: 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 is more evident, but also more difficult, because they are much more critical. With amateurs it all takes a bit longer, but you can go deeper emotionally and they commit themselves completely at the last moment. A unique feeling to be able to achieve that."
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Terry Janssen[/caption]
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 available resources. "In this way we always find the balance between ambition and reality, without compromising on quality or artistic impact," according to chairman Terry Janssen. In recent years, the repertoire has undergone an evolution. In addition to traditional passions and requiems, deCHORALE now also performs works by composers such as Goodall, Blackford and Theodorakis, as well as film music by Zimmer, Morricone and Williams. This diversification has not only broadened the musical horizons, but also attracted a wider audience.
Contemporary presentation of timeless works in a choir family creates memorable experiences
The current success of deCHORALE is due to the creation of contemporary concerts through modest staging, adapted lighting, creative arrangements and the courage to think outside the box. The choir almost always collaborates with a director who helps develop the artistic concept, allowing even familiar works to receive a fresh interpretation. This approach has led to a turning point in the choir's trajectory: the moment when deCHORALE fully embraced her mission to bring meaningful artistic experiences that touch both choir members and audiences. By making classical choral music accessible and collaborating with professional musicians, the performances have continued to reach ever higher levels.
DeCHORALE is a colourful mix of trained and less trained voices from all walks of society. That diversity gives a fine dynamic and a rich soundboard. Each new member receives a warm welcome, as the choir genuinely sees itself as a family. The dynamic is one of shared passion and dedication where everyone is willing to give their best. In addition to weekly rehearsals, the social committee organizes various activities that strengthen the group spirit: informal gatherings, parties and a proper choir trip. After each rehearsal, there is an opportunity to chat together in the bar. Regular rehearsal Sundays and an annual choir weekend are also organized to work intensively on a project.
To ensure that everyone's voice is heard, the choir works with voice delegates for each voice group. They form a bridge between choir members and the conductor or the board. In addition, there is an ombudsperson to whom members can turn with concerns or problems. Through alternating line-ups and partial rehearsal moments, the group is musically strengthened, while social initiatives strengthen the bond between members. The choir has the luxury of a professional conductor, a wonderful répétiteur and a fantastic voice coach – a privilege that not many choirs can afford. This guidance not only helps to improve technical skills, but also helps the choir to grow further.
One of the most unforgettable performances was the performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony together with Ballet Béjart Lausanne at Vorst Nationaal. The choir sang from memory, four times for a sold-out hall, and wore the original costumes from Béjart's legendary choreography. "When I think back to those performances and the overwhelming applause, I still get goosebumps," says Janssen. "All choir members agree wholeheartedly: this was absolutely a highlight in the history of deCHORALE." The opening of the Havenhuis and the reopening of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA) remain cherished memories. It is an enormous honor to sing at such prestigious events.
Challenges that strengthen
The biggest challenge that deCHORALE has overcome was undoubtedly Canto General by Mikis Theodorakis. Because of the complex rhythms and the Spanish language, this was a particularly demanding work. The choir rehearsed it intensively and organized extra workshops where choir members from each voice group came together to practice. That collective effort not only strengthened the musical result, but also made the bond between members even stronger. The Korensymfonie by De Vocht was among the biggest challenges – a work that included just about all other compositions by De Vocht created by 'his' choir, as well as the annual Matthäus Passion by Bach which was a household name in Antwerp and far beyond.
A continuing point of attention is the rejuvenation of the choir. Fortunately, deCHORALE notices that there is vitality in the organization. Auditions are held twice a year, and motivated singers always turn up. The number of members continues to grow, which gives confidence in a sustainable future. The musical goals for the coming years remain closely linked to the mission: to bring musical performances of oratorios and other vocal works that offer a meaningful artistic experience. The choir wants to continue seeking a balance between tradition and innovation, with special attention to Flemish music. For the De Vocht year 2027, the choir plans, among other things, his Te Deum and his Korensymfonie. On the wish list are still the Requiem by Peter Benoit, the Magnificat by Vic Nees and perhaps someday the Dream of Gerontius by Elgar. "If we were to ask the choir members about this, we would probably have enough ideas to fill our programming for the next ten years," laughs Janssen.
DeCHORALE does not yet have much experience with electronics or multidisciplinary projects, although the choir has worked with dance. 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 could be an interesting way to appeal to a younger audience.
Impact and legacy
DeCHORALE regularly receives feedback from the audience, both directly after concerts and through emails and comments that choir members receive from their supporters. All this feedback is collected and published on the choir's blog. Listeners often share that they were moved and touched, and those responses reinforce the awareness that the music really speaks to people. As an oratorio choir, deCHORALE may not seem of this time – it is one of the last in Flanders. Yet the choir continues to fight for a place in the cultural landscape by bringing music from the past in a way that appeals to today's audience. It wants to show that classical works, despite their age, can still communicate powerfully and evoke emotions. Where possible, deCHORALE is happy to give young musicians a stage so they can gain valuable experience. They can count on the choir's years of experience, both musically and organizationally. It is 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 quality. The performances of recent years testify to this with memorable productions of Bach's passions, Händel's Messiah, Verdi's Requiem, Theodorakis's Canto General and many others. deCHORALE is most proud of successfully completing major productions, both musically and financially. Furthermore, it is also special to sell out large venues such as the Elisabethzaal in Antwerpen or the Concertgebouw of Brugge. These milestones confirm not only musical growth, but also the trust and support of the public.
The message to young musicians is clear: keep believing in our own composers and make them known to a wider audience. By occasionally performing lesser-known works, the choir introduces audiences to good, sometimes unknown music that matters. deCHORALE continues to fight for a future in which there is always room for the performance of great works. The intensity of the rehearsal process, the satisfaction of the performances, the many connections alongside rehearsing – they are all experiences that make singing in a choir so unique. And deCHORALE wants to continue passing on that unique feeling in the years to come, to both its members and its audience.