12.12.20 Bruxelles

O Magnum Mysterium celebrates the wonder and quiet majesty of the Christmas season, blending sacred mystery with festive joy across centuries and continents.

The first half begins with Villa-Lobos’ serene Ave Maria, a moment of pure devotion from Brazil. This is followed by the world premiere of Giulio De Carlo’s O magnum mysterium, a luminous new setting that captures the awe and mystery of the Nativity. Contemporary voices—James MacMillan, John Rutter, and Daniel Elder—then offer their own perspectives on the season’s light, longing, and hope, with pieces that range from meditative to radiant.The second half embraces the festive spirit with beloved carols and joyful refrains. Traditional melodies like What Child is This and Carol of the Bells meet vibrant new settings, including Darius Lim’s exuberant Gloria! Alleluia! and Ken Steven’s Angele Dei, which brings a gentle Southeast Asian sensibility to the angelic. The concert closes with holiday cheer: John Rutter’s lively Deck the Hall and a charming arrangement of White Christmas by Tijs Krammer, sending the audience home wrapped in warmth, wonder, and song.