Suoni Selesti, "Hemelse klanken" combines works for voices (solo and/or in various choir formations) with pure instrumental music. The following works are performed by professional singers and musicians:
- A song on a text by Edgar Allan Poe: "Spirits of the dead". A text that has a personal connection for the vocal soloist, Joris Derder.
- Another one on a text by Pablo Neruda: "Ode al tomate", a mischievous text, with a musical setting that parodies opera...
- 'Er was eens water' based on a poem by Flemish poet Peter Verhelst, written as a protest against the way we treat refugees in general. The poem itself was written following the shocking photograph (2015) of the little boy (Alan Kurdi) who drowned during a Mediterranean crossing.
- '4 Haiku's' that give voice to the 4 seasons. Texts by Herman van Rompuy.
- The song 'Moeder Aarde' is based on a poem by New Zealand author Nadine Anne Hura at the beginning of the first lockdown in 2020. She combines the coronavirus pandemic with the climate crisis and this text was intensively shared on Facebook in 2020.
- Three works based on the Christian ritual: Lux Aeterna (a capella version and one with string accompaniment), O Magnum Mysterium and Agnus Dei.
- In addition, there is the world premiere of a new harpsichord concerto (this work has already been selected as a semi-finalist in the "Caleidoscope call for works 2020, University of Los Angeles") and various other pieces for strings.
The performers include the 'Ghent Singers': 16 professional singers brought together by Jolien De Gendt under the direction of Joris Derder and the 'Ataneres Ensemble' under the direction of Tom Deneckere. Dimos de Beun will create the harpsichord concerto and accompany some of the choral pieces on the piano.
The admission price of € 18 (pre-sale, 20 € on the day of the concert) includes not only a fantastic concert but also provides a drink at the reception afterwards. Since all works are professionally recorded the week before, there is the possibility to purchase CDs after the concert at an introductory price. Tickets can be ordered via email to stefaan.vanheertum@telenet.be. UiTPAS holders pay 10€.