The Peter Benoit Fund, founded in 1902 by Edward Keurvels, aims to preserve and promote the work and legacy of Peter Benoit and other Flemish composers. As Flanders’ oldest heritage association, the fund also supports contemporary composers through programming and promotion of their work. The De la Haye Ensemble, consisting of Jeong Sun Goo (violin), Daan De Vos (cello), and Bart Meuris (piano), specializes in contemporary classical chamber music. Their programs juxtapose masterpieces from the past with surprises from the 20th and 21st centuries. They pay particular attention to composers from our own region and actively engage in new creations. The ensemble’s name refers to the Belgian painter Raymond de la Haye (1882-1914), who left behind a remarkable oeuvre based on a symbolist and luminist vision. At the traditional autumn concert of the Peter Benoit Fund, the ensemble presents a fascinating program that highlights the versatility and richness of contemporary chamber music. Three Flemish composers take center stage: Wim Henderickx (1962-2022), Luc Van Hove (born 1957), and Jan Hendrik Van Damme (born 1965). Each wrote a trio for violin, cello, and piano, two of which are being premiered. Wim Henderickx’s Piano Trio (In der seidenen Stille), composed in 2012, is inspired by a verse by Rainer Maria Rilke. This meditative work, full of subtle dynamics, allows melody and timbre to flow seamlessly together. Luc Van Hove, who is unparalleled in his understanding of the Western tradition, offers a nod in his Trio. 57 after the French composer Olivier Messiaen. He dedicates this five-part work to the De la Haye Ensemble. Jan Hendrik Van Damme based his latest trio on Henri Matisse’s paintings “Le bonheur de vivre” and “La Danse,” which are closely linked thematically. The evening will also be enriched with a performance of “Phrases” by Annelies Van Parys, performed by students from the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp. This concert promises a captivating dialogue between tradition and innovation, full of expressiveness and layering.

Program:

De la Haye Ensemble | Jeong Sun Goo (viool), Daan De Vos (cello) en Bart Meuris (piano)
Wim Henderickx (1962-2022) – Piano Trio (In der seidenen Stille)
Luc Van Hove (1957) – Piano Trio op. 57
Jan Hendrik Van Damme (1965) – Trio

Students Royal Conservatoire Antwerpen
Annelies Van Parys – Phrases