Polyphonic heritage and late 19th-century chamber music will fill the historic Abdijkerk in Ninove this autumn, as the Utopia Ensemble and vocal collective Air4Six present two distinct concert programs exploring centuries of sacred and secular vocal artistry, according to the Corneliusparochie parish.
Utopia Ensemble Brings ‘Our Lady of Antwerp’ to Ninove
The Utopia Ensemble performs Saturday, Sept. 26, at 20:00, launching the CD presentation of their latest musical project titled “Our Lady of Antwerp,” according to parish announcements. The program transports listeners through the musical legacy of chapel masters active between 1400 and 1620, connecting the era’s sacred compositions directly to the artistic world of Peter Paul Rubens.
The performance features polyphonic works by composers including Pullois, Barbireau, Obrecht, and Pevernage. According to concert organizers, these historical pieces are complemented by the music of Peter Philips, a composer whose career remained closely tied to Antwerp’s vibrant musical landscape. The Virgin Mary serves as the central thematic thread throughout the evening, reflecting her role as the patroness of Antwerp Cathedral.
Did you know? The Utopia Ensemble’s program bridges a two-century gap of Flemish musical history, specifically linking early chapel masters of Antwerp to the golden age of painter Peter Paul Rubens.
Air4Six Explores Hidden Vocal Gems in November
Vocal collective Air4Six takes the stage at the Abdijkerk on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 20:00, performing under the guiding motto “Wat zelden klinkt, raakt het diepst” (What rarely sounds, touches the deepest), as reported by the Corneliusparochie. The ensemble uncovers a neglected chapter of regional musical history by focusing on intimate a cappella ensemble music composed by Flemish artists during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The group consists of six soloists who blend distinct vocal personalities into a single, transparent, and expressive sound. The November setlist revives forgotten works by Flemish composers Benoit, Meulemans, De Vocht, De Boeck, Mortelmans, and Tinel. According to project notes, the music navigates a careful balance between sweeping lyricism, quiet stillness, romantic intensity, and refined chamber music arrangement.
Concert Practical Information and Ticketing
Both autumn performances take place inside the baroque interior of the Abdijkerk, located at Kerkplein in Ninove. The historic setting offers an acoustic environment tailored to multi-voiced polyphony and intimate vocal performances.
- Utopia Ensemble: Saturday, Sept. 26, at 20:00.
- Air4Six: Saturday, Nov. 14, at 20:00.
- Venue: Abdijkerk, Kerkplein, Ninove.
- Ticket Price: €25 per concert.
- Reservations: Tickets can be ordered via email at [email protected], according to the Corneliusparochie.
Pro Tip: Because seating inside the baroque Abdijkerk is limited, organizers advise securing tickets well in advance by emailing the parish reservation address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the Ninove Abdijkerk concerts taking place?
Both the Utopia Ensemble and Air4Six concerts are held inside the Abdijkerk, situated at Kerkplein in Ninove.
How much do tickets cost for the autumn concert series?
Tickets for individual concerts are priced at €25 and can be reserved by emailing [email protected], according to the Corneliusparochie.
What is the theme of the Utopia Ensemble performance on Sept. 26?
The Utopia Ensemble presents “Our Lady of Antwerp,” featuring polyphony from 1400 to 1620 centered around Antwerp Cathedral’s patroness, Mary, and connected to the era of Rubens.
What music does Air4Six perform on Nov. 14?
Air4Six performs intimate a cappella works by late 19th- and early 20th-century Flemish composers, including Benoit, De Boeck, and Mortelmans.
Secure Your Seats Today
Experience centuries of vocal mastery in Ninove’s historic Abdijkerk. Email [email protected] to book your €25 tickets for upcoming autumn performances.
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