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Concert mass

Sunday 19 October, 09:00 10:00

Saint Peter - 2300

On the program

On Sunday 19 October at 10 a.m., there will be another concert mass in St Peter's Church in Turnhout.

The Vialta chamber choir started out as a modest family choir in 1989. At that time, it was conducted by Herman De Houwer. Since then, it has grown into a fully-fledged chamber choir. The choir members find joy and pleasure in singing beautiful and challenging music together, working together to create a beautiful choral sound. And they do so as a close-knit group of friends.

The choir's activities are often linked to cultural life in and around Hoogstraten. For example, Vialta sings every year in the Holy Blood Procession and their singing regularly warms up the Christmas period in Hoogstraten.

Since 2016, the musical direction of Vialta has been in the expert hands of Sander Le Roy. Under his leadership, Vialta has already sung And so it goes (2017), Columbus (2018), A Christmas Tale (2018), If music be the food of love (2019), Were you there (2019), Somewhere over the rainbow (2022), Monteverdi (2022), Noorderlicht (2023) and Sing, Sing, Sing (2024).

In November 2021, they participated in the World Choir Games and won a gold medal (Open competition Mixed vocal ensembles & Chamber Choirs) and a silver medal (Open competition Musica Sacra with accompaniment).

On 19 October, they will perform Jacob De Haan's five-part mass.
They will also sing the following pieces: Entrance: Cantate Domino - G. O. Pitoni Interlude: Search me o Lord - Ch. Ives Offertory: Ubi Caritas - O. Gjeilo Communion: Set me as a seal - R. Clausen Final song: The road home - St. Paulus

More information : https://www.gaudioso.net

Event address

Markt, 2300 Turnhout

Date & time

19 October 2025 - 09:00 to 10:00

See the route on Google

Learn more about the building

Saint Peter

2300 Turnhout

Event Host Building

Saint Peter

Throughout history, the St. Peter’s church has undergone several major renovations. Nevertheless, the church radiates a uniform austerity and dignity both inside and out.

The oldest part of the church is situated in the base of the western tower and dates from the end of the 13th century. This old church became in 1398 a collegiate church which means that it became a holding place for a chapter of 12 and later 13 canons until the French Revolution.
The current gothic ambulatory with 5 apse chapels and the transept were built in the middle of the 15th century. The lantern tower was then added in the 17th century following the plans of Geerits Lieffmans. The tower encompasses the Angelus or chapter bell that used to call local residents on regular times to prayer.

The current face of the church was mainly determined by the extensive rebuilding campaign led by architect J. P. van Baurscheit during the beginning of the 18th century in which the nave and the choir were heightened and the aisles were added.

Church decorations didn’t just serve as embellishment to the building, but were also a visual declaration of the gospel in times that most people couldn’t read. Many of these original sculpture decorations were destroyed during the iconoclasm of August, 23 1566. Most of the works of art in this church are therefore subsequent to this period. Important works of art in this church are among others the high altar, a 16th century triptych in the apse chapel, the wooden pulpit and the gorgeous 17th century pipe organ by the famous Gent organ builder Jean Le Royer.

The well taken care of collegiate church of Saint Peter in Turnhout is an oasis of serenity situated in the heart of the town, a place that because of its atmosphere and beauty makes many people fall silent.

KIKIRPA : Photo-library online

Flemish Masters in Situ

Visit Turnhout : info guided visits

Gaudioso organises concert masses, aperitif concerts and summer concerts in the church.