Christmas is coming and that means the annual festive concert at the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula in Brussels.
It takes place at 8pm on Monday, 29 December and the programme features “Midnight Mass for four voices” by Marc-Antoine Charpentier with soloists Caroline Jestaedt (soprano), Govaart Haché (alto),Geoffrey Degives (tenor) and Gunther Vandeven(bass) plus The Voces Desuper Ensemble and organists Bart Jacobs & Xavier Deprez.
The programme for this Christmas concert will feature Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s four-voice “Midnight Mass,” composed in 1694 based on the melodies of ten French Christmas carols, in its version with organ (positive organ and Grenzing Grand Organ).
This mass is considered unique both within the composer’s oeuvre and within the genre.
In addition to the Angel’s Aria (Nollite timere, pastores), the mass will alternate with four-voice Christmas carols by Étienne du Caurroy, organ variations on French Christmas carols by Dandrieu and Daquin, and J.P. Rameau’s Ode to the Night (arranged by J. Noyon).
The festive concert remains a cherished tradition to uphold during this time of year “when light slowly reasserts itself over the night, marking the dawn of a new era and renewed hope,” said a spokesman.
“Just hours before the new year, it will bring comfort to hearts in a time when they sorely need it.”
Practical information: Price: €20/person – €5/under 18s. Online booking and prepayment. Doors open at 7:20 pm
