Discover Benelux | Culture | Nuit des Choeurs
NUIT DES CHOEURS:
A magical night of music Founded in 2000, Nuit des Choeurs is a magical, one-of-a-kind choral extravaganza that takes place every year in the ruins of the abbey of Villers-la-Ville in Belgium. We spoke to director Benoît Meurens ahead of this year’s edition, taking place from 24 - 25 August. “From the unique open-air setting to the magnificent illuminations, not to mention the worldclass line-up of choral singers, this is the only event of its kind in Belgium - even in Europe,” enthuses Meurens. Nuit des Choeurs sees six professional choirs singing on a loop throughout the evening on different stages. The lineup is the same for both the Friday night and the Saturday night. Each concert begins at the same time and lasts 20 minutes, allowing for the public to move between performances without disrupting the music. At the end of the night all the singers come together for a grand finale, topped off with a breathtaking fireworks display. “Everything
TEXT: ANNA VILLELEGER | PHOTOS: NUIT DES CHOEURS
makes for an enchanting atmosphere,” smiles Meurens, adding that attendees frequently return year after year. “We also welcome many international spectators.” Conceived to make choral music accessible to the wider public, Nuit des Choeurs invites everyone over the age of ten to attend. Ticket prices are affordable, and the programme has a universal appeal. “It’s an opportunity for people to hear music they are familiar with, but have never heard sung live before. That can be quite an emotional experience.” The 2018 Nuit des Choeurs lineup includes Golden Globe winner Lisa Gerrard accompanied by Le Mystère Des Voix Bulgares, vocal group The Swingles, and the Slovenian female choir Carmen Manet, named Eurovision Choir of the Year 2017.
Web: www.nuitdeschoeurs.be