Franco-Flemish polyphony in Europe

It is a remarkable phenomenon that throughout Europe, from around 1400 to the end of the sixteenth century, vocal polyphony was dominated by more than 200 Franco-Flemish polyphonists and musicians. They all came from a relatively small region, stretching from the south of Belgium (Hainaut and Southern Flanders) to the north of France (Artois and Picardy).

They employed a virtuosic contrapuntal style, in which each voice follows an independent line both melodically and rhythmically. The often breathtaking musical combinations that resulted are counted as the most prized musical gems in Europe in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

Paul Van Nevel and his Huelgas Ensemble dive into the polyphonic repertoire of Jean Lhéritier, Johannes Symonis Hasprois, Cipriano de Rore, Jean Mouton and Orlando Lassus, among others.

Existing for more than fifty years, the Huelgas Ensemble is one of the most acclaimed ensembles specialising in the performance of polyphonic music from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The ensemble is internationally renowned for its original programming of neglected works. The ensemble’s approach and pure intonation never cease to amaze its audience.

Music by Cipriano de Rore, Jean Mouton, Orlandus Lassus, Jean Lhéritier, Johannes Symonis Hasprois and others.

• this performance is part of Voices of Passion 2026

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Voices of Passion 2026

Leuven and polyphony have been intertwined for years and years. Together with the Alamire Foundation, 30CC puts this tradition under the spotlight, using current knowledge and performance practice, during this Passion of Voices festival.

In this edition of Passion of Voices we draw a musical line through time. Five generations of composers shaped the polyphonic music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, and also put the Low Countries unmistakably on the map as the home of polyphony.

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artistieke leiding Paul Van Nevel met Nadia Lavoyer, Malwine Nicoloaus, Hannah Ely, Tessa Roos, Paul Bentley-Angell, Loïc Paulin, Ozan Karagöz, Daniel Thomson, Tom Phillips, Hidde Kleikamp, Frederik Sjollema, Tim Scott Whiteley foto Christian Palm