Belgium (Brussels Morning Newspaper) Indeed, the calming influence of a Christmas concert is probably something that would benefit many of us in such turbulent times.
One such occasion takes place at the magnificent Cathedral of Saints Michael and Gudula of Brussels.
The Cathedral’s Christmas concert this year is on Tuesday December 27 at 5pm and has been organized by the association ARS in Cathedrali.
The concert will feature five canonical variations on a Christmas carol (Canonische Veränderungen über “Vom Himmel hoch”) by Johann Sebastian Bach and two fiery arias by George Frideric Handel (Rejoice and Flößt, mein Heiland, flößt dein Namen).
The event will end with Benjamin Britten’s famous suite, “A ceremony of carols” for soprano, choir and harp.
These works will be performed, exceptionally, by female artists only.
A spokesman for the event told this website, “This is a way of highlighting the values of the feminine and of motherhood symbolized, not least at this time of the year, by Mary.”
The artists who will be performing are: Elise Gabele, soprano; Cantus Firmus, female vocal ensemble; director Hélène Richardeau; Alisee Frippiat on harp and organist Maria Vekilova.
Before, or after, the concert the public will be able to discover a beautiful exhibition of nativity scenes which will be installed around the perimeter of the Cathedral. About 20 crèches will be represented including one of the Cathedral and those of Catholic communities of foreign origin present in the Vicariate of Brussels.
These include Albania, Brazil, China, Congo, Korea, Spain, Japan, Lebanon, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Ukraine.
Tickets are priced just €15 pp and entry is free for anyone aged 18 and under. Further info via www.cathedralisbruxellensis.be
