Sold out Choir concert with royal attendance

On Thursday the 19^th of March 2026, ‘De Kracht van de Stem’ took place, the sold-out Choir concert of the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel (KCB) in the majestic Church of Our Lady of Laeken. Under the direction of KCB professor and conductor David De Geest, the Choir of the KCB, the soloists of KCB, the Choir of the Kunsthumaniora Brussel and the KCB Alumni Orchestra, along with symphoniaASSAI, came together in one powerful artistic production in which the human voice and expression took centre stage. The programme of the Choir concert featured two masterpieces from the choral repertoire by Fauré and Bernstein. Two timeless composers who share a profound sensitivity for vocal expression.
Prince Laurent of Belgium honoured us with his presence that evening, offering a meaningful show of support from the royal household during challenging times for education and culture.

An impressive evening in Laeken

On the 19^th of March in the Church of Our Lady of Laeken, about 150 musicians from three generations, from secondary and university music education as well as the alumni network, came together on stage for the sold-out KCB Choir concert. With ‘De Kracht van de Stem’, an exceptional collaboration emerged between young singers of KCB and the Kunsthumaniora Brussel and the KCB Alumni Orchestra, in collaboration with symphoniaASSAI.

Under the direction of David De Geest, they paid tribute to two masterpieces from the choral repertoire by Gabriel Fauré and Leonard Bernstein. Although Gabriel Fauré and Leonard Bernstein belong to very different eras and musical worlds, they share a profound sensitivity for vocal expression. The two composers were brought together in this impressive evening in which the voice emerged as the ultimate means of expression: vulnerable, powerful, and deeply human.

This power was given to us by Johan Hermans, the organist, as well as through the transcription by Wouter Lenaerts, professor at the KCB and composer.

Visit from the Royal Family

Heartfelt thanks

A concert of this magnitude is only possible thanks to the dedication and passion of many. Our sincere gratitude goes out to all musicians, soloists, and choir members who brought this evening to life with their artistry. We also warmly thank the production team, whose behind-the-scenes efforts ensured a seamless experience. A special appreciation goes to Prince Laurent of Belgium for honouring us with his presence, as well as to Dennis Cluydts, general director of EhB, and Lulu Aertgeerts, director of KCB.
And, of course, a standing ovation for conductor David De Geest, whose guidance and dedication shaped this evening into a remarkable musical experience.