France and Belgium Tour Travelogue Three
Dear Friends,
In the 13th century, the city of Ghent, Belgium was the second largest municipality in all of northern Europe (after Paris), with more than 65,000 people living within its city walls. Now more than four times that size, it is, by 21st-century standards, a relatively small, but lively city. The tower of St. Bavo’s cathedral still dominates its skyline. It was in this church, under that spire, where the Georgia Boy Choir was scheduled to give a concert on Thursday, May 31.
The cathedral is most well-known because it houses the famous Van Eyck painting “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.” Better known as, “The Ghent Altarpiece,” it has the distinction of being the most stolen work of art in history. It is truly magnificent. In order to prevent it’s being stolen again, it is no longer housed at the altar of the church, but behind a glass case in a much more secure, climate-controlled room at the rear of the sanctuary. There is also a replica in a locked side chapel, which is used to study the famous work. When the Choir arrived, they were granted entry in to this side chapel where, once again, Mrs. Hannah White, the tour’s official art historian held the boys almost spellbound as she ably explained the significance of this particular painting and exactly what to look for when viewing it. This enlightenment proved immensely helpful when they then were allowed in to see the original. For many, this was one of the highlights of the tour.
When it came time for the Choir’s afternoon concert, the significance of performing in such a hallowed space was not lost on the young artists. In addition to those who came specifically to hear the Georgia Boy Choir sing, there were naturally many others who were they to see the cathedral itself and the marvelous artwork it contains. But all were equally mesmerized by the haunting beauty that met their ears, and the audience grew as the concert progressed. Singing a varied program that included some of the world’ greatest sacred choral literature from the Renaissance through to the 21st century, the 39 singers relished the rich acoustics, and delivered one of their finest performances yet.
Friday morning found the boys relaxing and enjoying some recreation in the lovely city park in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium – until it began to rain. So they retreated to the hotel conference room where they watched the 1962 movie, The Longest Day in preparation for their upcoming visit to the beaches of Normandy. Thankfully, the rain cleared up before their scheduled meeting on the soccer pitch with the Flanders Boys Choir. Once again, it was amazing to see how quickly barriers of language and culture disappear when boys are either singing or playing soccer together. In this case the young Belgians and the young Americans were able to do both. After their friendly soccer match, they enjoyed a delicious meal together, prior to the evening concert where they would sing both for and with each other. The Flanders Boys Choir began the concert with a splendid performance of Bach, Mozart, Mendelssohn, and Handel. They have a rich sound and sing with exceptional musicianship. The Georgians followed with music of Palestrina, Duruflé, Vierne, and others which was sung with equal skill and artistry. The capacity crowd in the beautiful Onze-Lieve-Vrouwkerk, the largest church in town considered themselves very lucky to hear two such fine choirs in one evening.
Click here to enjoy a video of the Georgia Boy Choir singing “The Ground” from the Sunrise Mass by Ola Gjeilo in the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwkerk in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium.
The concert concluded with the two ensembles joining together to sing John Rutter’s beautiful, “The Lord Bless You and Keep You,” under the direction of Artistic Director and Conductor, David R. White. The combined sound was glorious indeed. Working together came so naturally to both groups that they are hoping they will get to do it again soon – in Atlanta!
Until next time,
The Georgia Boy Choir 2018 France and Belgium Tour Team