Festival Choir Flanders × Ghent University Choir
De Bijloke + Sint-Pauluskerk Gent

Join the Festival Children’s Choir Flanders to perform Carmina Burana.

For the upcoming performances of Carmina Burana by Carl Orff (conducted by Joris Derder) with the Ghent University Choir (www.gentsuniversitairkoor.be), Festival Choir Flanders is holding auditions to form a unison children’s and youth choir to take part in this project. Festival Choir Flanders aims to assemble a choir of approximately 15 to 20 children or adolescents.

About Festival Choir Flanders.

The Festival Choir Flanders is a sparkling new choir that wants to distinguish itself through its project-based approach and participation in various festivals and events, both national and international. This dynamic ensemble, under the inspiring leadership of renowned conductor Joris Derder, brings a unique mix of experience, passion and international allure to the stage.

With a repertoire that varies from classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions, the Festival Choir Flanders knows how to appeal to a wide audience. The flexible composition of the choir makes it possible to participate in various musical projects on a project basis, making it perfect for collaborations with other ensembles, orchestras and artists, also on international stages.

Joris Derder, a conductor with an impressive track record and international experience, not only provides the choir with artistic direction but also knows how to create an inspiring atmosphere in which the singers can develop their individual talents. His passion for music and his ability to get the best out of the choir members are the driving force behind the Festival Choir Flanders. With a fresh approach to choral singing and a boundless commitment to artistic excellence, this choir promises to be a standout in the world of choral music.

Festival Choir Flanders started ambitiously in 2024! The first project of the Festival Choir Flanders was Giuseppe Verdi's Messa da Requiem in the iconic large concert hall of the Philharmonie Berlin. All this under the musical direction of maestro Sergi Gili Solé and in collaboration with Staatsorchester Rheinische Philharmonie and two magnificent choirs: Gürzenich Chor Köln and Konzertchor Friedenau (Berlin).

Festival Choir Flanders × Ghent University Choir
De Bijloke + Sint-Pauluskerk Gent

How to participate?

Cast

Choirs
Ghent University Choir
Festival (Children’s) Choir Flanders

Conductor and general director
Joris Derder, www.jorisderder.com

Pianos
Marc Masson and Tae Yoshioka

Percussion class
Led by Wim Konink,
KASK Conservatory Ghent

Soloists
Jolien De Gendt – Soprano
Timothy Veryser – Tenor
Henk Lauwers – Baritone

Conditions

  • You are under 18 years old.

  • You’re eager to join a musical adventure alongside the Ghent University Choir, powerful percussion, two impressive grand pianos, and three brilliant soloists, all under the direction of Joris Derder.

  • You have a soprano or alto voice.

  • You are available for all scheduled rehearsals and concerts.

  • Participation is only possible after a successful audition.

Costs

Participation in the project costs €60, to be paid after a successful audition.

Audition

September 13, 2025

🗓️ Time slots follow after registration
📍 Therminal, Hoveniersberg, Ghent

Selection
By conductor Joris Derder. Register via: https://forms.gle/LLmfB8pyybuHPTTLA.

Repertoire
Excerpts from Carmina Burana: Amor Volat Undique and Tempus Est Iocundum (scores will be sent after registration).

Rehearsals

October 4, 2025

🗓️ 10:00 - 12:00
📍 Therminal, Hoveniersberg, Ghent
♫ Rehearsal 1

November 30, 2025

🗓️ 10:00 - 12:00
📍 Therminal, Hoveniersberg, Ghent
♫ Rehearsal 2

December 7, 2025

🗓️ 18:00 - 20:00
📍 Therminal, Hoveniersberg, Ghent
♫ Rehearsal 3

December 9, 2025

🗓️ 19:00 - …
📍 Therminal, Hoveniersberg, Ghent
♫ Dress Rehearsal

Concerts

December 10, 2025

🗓️ 18:00 - 21:30
📍 De Bijloke, Ghent

Arrival at 18:00, concerts start at 20:00 and end around 21:30. Location subject to confirmation.

December 11, 2025

🗓️ 18:00 - 21:30
📍 Sint-Pauluskerk, Ghent

Arrival at 18:00, concerts start at 20:00 and end around 21:30.

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