Jan-Peter de Graaff and librettist Jibbe Willems explore the world of the Biblical Exodus. Their oratorio Het gouden kalf (The golden calf) is inspired by the epic exodus of a people in search of a new future. When Moses is on Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments from his god and his absence lasts too long, the people revolt. From their own jewellery, the Israelites forge a golden calf, an image they worship with sacrifice and feast as the god who led them out of Egypt.

Studium Chorale, philharmonie zuidnederland and Toneelgroep Maastricht commissioned the writing and composition of this new oratorio. Just like CCHA, the Studium Chorale choir also celebrates its 50th anniversary! Actor Dries Vanhegen, an ensemble of strings, winds and percussion, and sixteen singers from the jubilee Studium Chorale will perform the oratorio for the Belgian premiere.

On Sunday 18 September there will be an introduction to the Exodus story, slavery and the dream of the Promised Land by Marleen Reynders at 1.30 p.m. in the small theatre hall.