Abbey Concert #2 - Peace and prosperity

In the second half of the 18th century, our region enjoyed more than 40 years of peace and prosperity. The present abbey, with its magnificent neo-classical style, dates from that heyday. At that time, architect Laurent-Benoît Dewez was by far the most important architect in our region. After studies in Italy, he was appointed court architect by Prince Charles Alexander of Lorraine. When he starts at Vlierbeek, he has already led several large construction projects for abbeys and palaces.

Music resounded in all abbeys and palaces of the Austrian Netherlands, especially that of Pieter Van Maldere, one of the most famous composers of his time. He began his career at the court of Charles of Lorraine and built an international career through several concert tours throughout Europe. Van Maldere wrote no fewer than 40 symphonies, which clearly paved the way for the classical symphonies of Mozart and Haydn.

There was also music by Van Maldere's friend Ignaz Vitzthumb, and even the young Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart had the honour of playing for Prince Charles. Finally, there is the De Croes family. Henri-Jacques De Croes was for many years Kapellmeister of the Brussels Court Orchestra, while his son, after training in Brussels, became Kapellmeister in Regensburg.

The abbey of the architect Dewez still exists. It is up to the Terra Collective to brilliantly revive the music that once sounded there. Founded in 2012 by Vlad Weverbergh, the collective has since been unearthing and exploring forgotten musical gems from the Low Countries, with a focus on repertoire from the Classical and Romantic periods. The programmes are always performed in combination with masterpieces by Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.

With music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Pieter Van Maldere, Henri-Jacques De Croes, Ignaz Vitzthumb and others.

More info

www.terranovacollective.com

artistic direction Vlad Weverbergh pianoforte Aurelia Visovan with Terra Nova Collective