magnum opus

Magnum Opus brings together monumental works of choral music that reflect both artistic mastery and profound transformation. In music, a magnum opus refers to a composer’s greatest or most significant creation—the work in which vision, craftsmanship, and expression reach their highest point. This idea resonates throughout the program, which spans centuries of choral writing, from the radiant Renaissance polyphony of Thomas Weelkes to the timeless spiritual intensity of composers such as Henry Purcell and Anton Bruckner.

At the heart of the evening lies a new choral cycle by Diederik Van Der Laag, presented in its Belgian premiere. Inspired by the ancient tradition of alchemy, the work traces the symbolic stages leading to the magnum opus—the ultimate transformation of matter and spirit. Through darkness, purification, awakening, and culmination, the music mirrors an inner journey toward illumination.

The theme of transformation echoes across the rest of the program, from the evocative Shakespeare settings of Ralph Vaughan Williams to the contemplative sound worlds of Arvo Pärt, Cecilia McDowall, Einojuhani Rautavaara and Jevgeņijs Ustinskovs.

Together, these works invite listeners to experience the many forms of transformation that music can embody—spiritual, emotional, and artistic—revealing the extraordinary power of choral sound at its most inspired.

Date: May 29th, 2026
Place: La Viale (Église des Pères du Saint-Sacrement). Chaussée de Wavre 203. 1050 Ixelles
Time: 8pm

namur en chœurs

The 2026 edition of Namur en Chœurs promises to transform the heart of Namur into a vibrant celebration of collective voice and musical passion. Bringing together choirs from Belgium and beyond, this highly anticipated festival will fill the city’s historic venues and streets with harmonies ranging from classical masterpieces to contemporary arrangements.
Among the participating ensembles, Lassenne Vocale will proudly take part, sharing its distinctive sound and musical sensitivity with festival audiences. Listeners can expect inspiring performances, moving interpretations, and moments of shared emotion that highlight the power of singing together. 

Northern Light, southern Flame

Under the title Northern Light, Southern Flame, this collaboration between the Brussels-based choir Lassenne Vocale and Seville’s ProyectoeLe brings together musical landscapes shaped by different cultural horizons yet united through the expressive power of choral sound. The program moves between the shimmering sonorities of northern composers and the warmth and vitality of southern traditions: from the oceanic mystery of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ Full Fathom Five and the quiet winter reflection of Eric Whitacre’s Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening, to the luminous sacred writing of Cecilia McDowall and the mystical textures of Einojuhani Rautavaara. ProyectoeLe answers with music that ranges from the introspective beauty of Herbert Howells’ Requiem to the rhythmic energy of Veljo Tormis and the radiant colors of Bernat Vivancos. The two choirs finally unite in a shared sonic space, culminating in two contemporary works—Greta’s Cantata No. 8 and Negros fantasmas—written by the conductors of the ensembles themselves, Carlos Cansino and Ivan Yohan, bringing the northern light and southern flame together in a vibrant musical encounter.

Date: July 4th, 2026
Place: Église Sainte-Alice
Time: 8pm

Eric Whitacre in Brussels 2026 – Lassenne Vocale & Vlaams Radiokoor Choral Collaboration

The Eric Whitacre Brussels Project 2026 is a major contemporary choral music collaboration bringing together the Vlaams Radiokoor and leading Brussels choirs for an exceptional musical experience in the heart of Belgium. Featuring internationally acclaimed composer and conductor Eric Whitacre, the project celebrates artistic excellence, cultural exchange, and the vibrant choral scene of Brussels.

Taking place on October 2, 2026, at the historic Abbaye de la Cambre in Brussels, the concert will unite the Vlaams Radiokoor with distinguished Brussels vocal ensembles including Lassenne Vocale and KAÏROS. Lassenne Vocale has been specially selected as the amateur choir collaborating on this prestigious project, recognizing the ensemble’s artistic quality, international spirit, and growing presence within Belgium’s choral landscape.

The initiative aims to strengthen collaboration between professional and amateur choirs in Belgium while creating a unique opportunity for singers to work directly with one of the world’s most influential contemporary choral composers.

Eric Whitacre, known globally for his groundbreaking Virtual Choir projects and award-winning choral compositions, has maintained a close artistic connection with Belgium and the Vlaams Radiokoor for many years. Renowned for combining emotional depth, innovative harmonies, and immersive sonic landscapes, Whitacre continues to inspire choirs and audiences worldwide.

During this special Brussels concert, Eric Whitacre will personally conduct the participating ensembles in a unique shared performance experience, bringing together professional and amateur singers in a celebration of contemporary choral music.

Designed with efficient preparation and artistic collaboration in mind, the project encourages participating choirs to rehearse independently before gathering for intensive joint rehearsals shortly before the concert. This structure allows singers from different ensembles and backgrounds to come together in a shared artistic journey under Whitacre’s direction.

More than a concert, the Eric Whitacre Brussels Project represents a celebration of contemporary choral music in Belgium, fostering artistic dialogue, community engagement, and international cultural visibility for the Brussels choir scene.

Date: October 2nd, 2026
Place: Abbaye de la Cambre
Time: tba

CHOIR TRIP TO SETÚBAL, PORTUGAL

For Spring 2027, Lassenne Vocale is delighted to announce an inspiring international collaboration with the Cetóbriga Chamber Choir, under the direction of Gonçalo Lourenço.

Bringing together two ensembles united by a shared passion for refined choral artistry, this project promises a vibrant exchange of musical traditions, colors, and perspectives. Audiences can look forward to a program that celebrates both the richness of contemporary choral writing and the expressive depth of the a cappella repertoire, shaped by the distinctive voices of both choirs.

More details will be revealed soon—stay tuned for what is set to be a memorable musical encounter.

Date: Spring 2027
Place: Setúbal, Portugal
Time: tba