On Sunday, 24 November 2024 at 16:00, the Sint-Niklaaskerk in Gent will welcome the CBM-koor for a special performance of Gabriel Fauré's Requiem. The concert, accompanied on organ by Peter Maus, marks the 100th anniversary of Fauré's death. This event is part of the Hart van Gent project, which is currently in development and aims to make the rich musical heritage of the Sint-Niklaaskerk accessible to a broad audience.
Hart van Gent: Musical Heritage in the Sint-Niklaaskerk
Hart van Gent is a new initiative that organizes unique concerts in the Sint-Niklaaskerk. This concert series aims not only to bring renowned musicians and ensembles to Gent, but also to highlight the church's heritage in a new way. Through the acoustics and atmosphere of the historic Sint-Niklaaskerk, each concert becomes an unforgettable experience, with both musical beauty and cultural heritage at the center.
The Programme
The concert offers a varied and inspiring programme that does justice to the atmosphere of the Sint-Niklaaskerk. The programme consists of the following works:
- Gabriel Fauré - Cantique de Jean Racine, op. 11
A beloved work by Fauré in which his characteristic soft and melodious style comes to the fore. Originally written as a choral work for mixed voices and organ, this piece opens the concert and sets the tone for an evening full of restrained beauty. - Charles-Marie Widor - Symphony No. 5, IV. Adagio
This beautiful Adagio from Widor's Fifth Symphony offers a contemplative and impressive transition to the main work of the evening. The work was originally composed for organ and will also be performed in its original form during this concert by Peter Maus, giving the audience the opportunity to fully experience the beautiful sounds of the organ in the Sint-Niklaaskerk. - Gabriel Fauré - Requiem
As the main work of the evening, Fauré's Requiem is performed, a masterpiece of calm and consoling music. Unlike many other requiems, Fauré's version is restrained and peaceful, focused on the hope and peace that death can bring. This exceptional work was written in 1887-1890 and remains a favourite among many music lovers to this day. The performance by the CBM-koor, accompanied by the impressive organ playing of Peter Maus, promises to be an intense and memorable experience.
Tickets and Practical Information
Tickets for the concert are available for online purchase and at the church box office on the day of the concert, from 14:00 onwards. The ticket prices are as follows:
- Adults: €10
- Youth (-26): €5
- Children under 12: free
For those who want to secure a place, booking online is highly recommended.
Video and Musical Fragments
During the concert, video fragments will be shown that provide a unique insight into the life and music of Fauré. This addition makes the concert extra special and offers fascinating context for the musical pieces being performed. (If recordings or videos become available after the concert, they will also be posted on the Klassiek Centraal website.)
This concert offers an excellent opportunity for music lovers to experience the work of Gabriel Fauré and Charles-Marie Widor in a special setting. With this, Hart van Gent takes a step towards a new chapter for the Sint-Niklaaskerk as a place where music and culture merge and the audience is immersed in Gent's rich heritage.