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CHORWERK RUHR, I SOLISTI, Yuval Weinberg, Lore Binon, Jan Michiels, Shirly Laub, Benjamin Dieltjens

Against the War

Igor Stravinski, Kurt Weill, Hanns Eisler, Rudolf Mauersberger, Arnold Schönberg, Kurt Hessenberg

We’re living in turbulent times: war is closer than we’d like, and peace more fragile than we’d thought. Against the War is a reflection on this world-wide uneasiness. The first part of this concert is devoted to war, featuring Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht’s confrontational Berlin Requiem. Then hope is rekindled as we hear the longing for peace in some breathtakingly beautiful choral works.

Trusted Festival partner I SOLISTI and the fantastic German choir CHORWERK RUHR, conducted by Yuval Weinberg, will join forces for this remarkable production. The programme was especially designed for and by Festival 20·21. After the festival it will tour to Bochum, Dessau and the prestigious Pierre Boulez Hall in Berlin.

Opening concert of the academic year KU Leuven 2026-2027
Sponsor: Peeters Drukkerij/Uitgeverij/Boekhandel
With the support of the Leerstoel Via Pulchritudinis 

Mon 21 Sept · 20:30

Programme

19:45

INTRO 

Jan Christiaens

20:30

CONCERT

Stravinski: L‘Histoire du soldat (bew. voor trio)

Weill: Zu Potsdam unter den Eichen, Das Berliner Requiem

Eisler: Die römische Kantate, Kriegskantate

Mauersberger: Wie liegt die Stadt so wüst

Schönberg: Friede auf Erden

Hessenberg: O Herr, mache mich zum Werkzeug deines Friedens

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Performers

Trusted Festival partner I SOLISTI and the fantastic German choir CHORWERK RUHR, conducted by Yuval Weinberg, will join forces for this remarkable production.

CHORWERK RUHR

CHORWERK RUHR is one of the most prominent chamber choirs in Germany. Founded in 1999, the vocal ensemble has become a cornerstone of vocal art in the German-speaking world. The choir’s exceptional quality lies in its ability to meet the specific demands of solo parts whilst achieving a perfect blend of the ensemble’s choral sound. A key focus of their work is shedding light on new choral music in relation to traditional musical forms and allowing it to take on new significance against the backdrop of a rich musical history. 

I SOLISTI

I SOLISTI unites top musicians who have each built a solid reputation as soloists, orchestral or chamber musicians. A permanent core of about twenty musicians is expanded or reduced depending on the project. The musical heritage of 250 years of wind (r)evolution from Mozart to today is the leitmotiv and is carried out with devotion but also continuously questioned and renewed.

Yuval Weinberg

Yuval Weinberg is principal conductor of the SWR Vocal Ensemble Stuttgart and Artistic Director of the Norske Solistkor, and he collaborates with leading choirs across Europe. He completed his studies in choral and orchestral conducting. As a sought-after teacher, Weinberg regularly leads masterclasses and seminars. A particular focus of his work is also on promoting young singers. Weinberg has staged numerous world premieres of new choral and vocal music and regularly works closely with contemporary composers.

Lore Binon

soprano

Jan Michiels

piano

Shirly Laub

violin

Tickets

€ 30

TICKET SALES START Friday 12.06.2026 10:00 

Against the War 2026 Mon 21 Sept 2026 · 20:30
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Venue

Aula Pieter De Somer

Charles Deberiotstraat 24
3000 Leuven

De Lijn / bus stop Sint-Michielskerk Plan your route
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Aula PDS Is wheelchair friendly. Book your reserved place at least two weeks in advance. We will help you in the concert hall. Go to TICKETS for more info