Levitations (Concerto for alto saxophone and string orchestra) (2024)

Creation (cd-recording) September 11, 2024 in the Concert Hall of Campus Lemmens (LUCA School of Arts), Leuven (Belgium), by Kurt Bertels (saxophone) and the “Apotheosis” orchestra conducted by Korneel Bernolet

Commissioned by Kurt Bertels

"Myriad" for orchestra (2019)

Premiere: 30 and 31 August 2019 in deSingel (Antwerp) and Opera Gent-Vlaanderen (Belgium) by Youth Orchestra Flanders conducted by Stéphane Denève

Commissioned by Stéphane Denève and Youth Orchestra Flanders (Belgium)

Chamber Symphony for Chamber Orchestra (2019)

Premiere: 13-17 February 2019 in Flagey (Brussels), Schouwburg Leuven, deSingel (Antwerp) and Schouwburg Hasselt (Belgium) by Le Concert Olympique, conducted by Jan Caeyers

Commissioned by Le Concert Olympique (Belgium)

"Songs for the Crossing" for soprano, choir and orchestra (2017)

On poems by Stefan Hertmans

Premiere: 15 December 2017 in Flagey (Brussels) (Belgium) by Hanne Roos (sopr.) and Brussels Philharmonic and Flemish Radio Choir conducted by Jun Maerkl

Commissioned by Flagey (Brussels) (Belgium) in the Brussels Philharmonic and Flemish Radio Choir

"Round" for piano four-hands (2015)

Premiere: 13 February 2015 by Piano duo Yin Yang (Jan Michiels & Inge Spinette) (Belgium)

Commissioned by Bruno Van Dijck (painter) in the context of the exhibition "Zeedrift", Zoersel (Belgium)

"Dances" for violin solo and string orchestra (2014)

Premiere: 14 March 2014 – during tour spring 2014 of The Chamber Orchestra Bruges (Belgium)

Commissioned by The Chamber Orchestra Bruges (Belgium)

Dickinson Songs for soprano and orchestra (2013)

Premiere: March 2, 2013 in OPEK, 30CC, Leuven (Belgium) by Annelies Van Gramberen, soprano & Collegium Frascati, Kris Stroobants (cond.)

Commissioned by 30CC, Leuven (Belgium)

Trumpet Concerto (2010)

Commissioned by Limburgs Symfonie Orkest, Maastricht (The Netherlands) (in 2013, Limburgs Symfonie Orkest merged into Philharmonie Zuidnederland)

Wij zijn wij (2006), an oratorio for soprano, tenor, child soprano, children’s choir, mixed choir, and symphony orchestra, on the occasion of the “175th Anniversary of Belgium” celebrations in Leuven (2006)

First performance September 8, 2006, Lemmensinstituut, Leuven, Dirk Vermeulen (cond.)

Commissioned by the City of Leuven (Belgium), in collaboration with the author Saskia De Coster and the Flemish Radio Orchestra (currently: Brussels Philharmonic)

Symphony no. 1 “Open” for orchestra and solo soprano (2005)

First performance November 18, 2005, Flagey, Brussels (Belgium) by the Flemish Radio Orchestra (currently: Brussels Philharmonic), Yoel Levi (cond.) and Catherine Vandevelde (soprano)

Commissioned by the Flemish Radio Orchestra (currently: Brussels Philharmonic)

Festival Anthem for orchestra (2001)

First performance November 10, 2001 by Brussels Philharmonic, Bjarte Engeset (cond.)

Commissioned by Brussels Philharmonic, Belgium

Violin Concerto (2000)

First performance June 10, 2000 by Brussels Philharmonic, Bjarte Engeset (cond.), with Otto Derolez (violin) in the Palais des Beaux Arts (BOZAR), Brussels

Commissioned by Brussels Philharmonic

Cummings Songs for soprano, violin, piano and orchestra (1998)

First performance June 25, 1998 by Collegium Instrumentale Brugense, Patrick Peire (cond.), with Catherine Vandevelde (sopr.), Véronique Bogaerts (vln), and Jan Michiels (pno)

Commissioned by Collegium Instrumentale Brugense, Belgium

Trancircle for orchestra (1996)

First performance December 14, 1996 by the Beethoven Academie, Walter Boeykens (cond.)

Commissioned by the Beethoven Academie, Belgium

Four Yeats Songs for soprano and orchestra (1995)

First performance January 15, 1995 by The Ensemble of New Music of The Lemmens Institute, Paul Beelaerts (cond.), with Ann Willems (sopr.)

Premiere: 1 February 2020 during "Klara in deSingel" (Antwerp) (Belgium) by Annelien Van Wauwe and Carousel Chamber Music Ensemble

Commissioned by Annelien Van Wauwe and Carousel Chamber Music Ensemble

"Little Jig" for youth string orchestra (2014)

For youth string orchestra Violet (Leuven) (Belgium)

New Stairs (2011)

Premiere: May 25 2011, by Spectra Ensemble, with architect Johan Van Den Berghe in Concertgebouw Bruges (Belgium), in the context of the artistic research project New Feet for 5 Years a Minute, in collaboration with the University of Leuven Association and Concertgebouw Bruges (Belgium)

Media Vita in Morte Sumus for mixed vocal ensemble, 3 solo sopranos, Baroque harp, viola da gamba, lute, and actor (2009)

Premiere: October 22 2009 by Ensemble Polyfoon & Zefiro Torna in “CC ‘t Getouw”, Bornem (Belgium)

Commissioned by Ensemble Polyfoon

Scherzo for sinfonietta ensemble (2002)

First performance April 16, 2002 by the New Juilliard Ensemble

Commissioned by the New Juilliard Ensemble, New York

Jeroen D'hoe: I used to listen to a lot of tango music, including the music of Piazzolla, but this commission by the Triunfal Quintet was the first invitation to venture into the genre as a composer myself. In a way, it felt like going back to one of my initial interests. I composed "Two Argentinian Dances" as a diptych: two movements that each have their own characteristics and are very different from each other, yet are inseparable. In the "Milonga," I intended to bring out the introverted and sensual; in the "Tango," virtuosity and energy prevail.

Commissioned by "Hageland Klassiek" (Tienen) (Belgium)

Jeroen D’hoe – “Patchwork” (2019) – version for flute and piano

This composition, in its original version for piccolo (published by Donemus), is the compulsory work for The Dutch International Piccolo Competition 2020.
The composition of the original version for piccolo was made possible by a contribution from Stichting Vrienden van Nationaal Fluitconcours, Stichting Flutonicon, and Adams Music Centre.

"Patchwork" is dedicated to René de Vos and the Stichting Nationaal Fluitconcours (National Flute Competition Foundation).

"Patchwork" was first performed on April 18, 2020 as a compulsory work (originally for piccolo and piano/marimba) at The Dutch International Piccolo Competition 2020.

"Patchwork" was commissioned by the National Flute Competition Foundation.

Jeroen D’hoe – “…et dolentem” (after Orlandus Lassus, Stabat Mater) (2021) for String Quartet

Jeroen D'hoe made an arrangement for string quartet of the first part of the "Stabat Mater" by Orlandus Lassus. Two elements play an important role in this: on the one hand, a rather literal transcription in different positions, and on the other, a contemplative fantasy, inspired by the central cadenza on the words 'et dolentem'.
This composition was first performed by the BiSS Quartet on 20 October 2021 during the "Festival 20/21" (Festival van Vlaanderen/Festival of Flanders, Flemish Brabant) (Belgium).

"...et dolentem" is dedicated to Pieter Bergé and the BiSS Quartet (Belgium)

Commissioned by "Festival 20/21" (Festival of Flanders, Flemish Brabant) (Belgium)

(Please see under "Myriad" (original version for orchestra, 2019) for program notes)

Premiere: 7 March 2020 in Arsonic (Mons) (Belgium) by Musiques Nouvelles conducted by Jean-Paul Dessy

This version of "Myriad" for accordion and chamber orchestra was commissioned by Musiques Nouvelles

"Patchwork" for piccolo and marimba (2019)

Premiere: 18 April 2020 as imposed work during The Dutch International Piccolo Competition 2020

Commissioned by the National Flute Competition Foundation

Arrangement of "Patchwork", originally composed for piccolo and marimba (2019)

Premiere: 18 April 2020 as imposed work during The Dutch International Piccolo Competition 2020

Commissioned by the National Flute Competition Foundation

Jeroen D’hoe – "Prayer" (2019) for violin, alto saxophone and piano

“Prayer”, composed for the Kugoni Trio, is a short meditative composition that, as a musical contemplation - a prayer for peace - wants to reflect on the great challenges of these troubled times. The lyrical melody is repeated as a calm incantation alternating between the musicians, and interwoven with a peaceful and steady accompaniment, which is inspired by the tintinnabuli sounds (referring to the sound of small bells), typical for the Estonian composer Arvo Pärt and his often mystically inspired music.

Premiere: 8 November 2019 in Academy Hall (Sint-Truiden) (Belgium) by Kugoni Trio

Commissioned by Kugoni Trio (Kurt Bertels, saxophone, Nicolas Dupont, violin, and Bert Koch, piano)

"Dances" version for violin and piano (2018)

Premiere: 26 January 2019 during "Klara in deSingel" (Antwerp) (Belgium) by Amandine Beyer (violin) and Laurence Beyer (piano)

Commissioned by Amandine Beyer and Laurence Beyer (France)

"Canzone" for piano and string orchestra (2016)

Premiere: 29 November 2016 in Stadsschouwburg Leuven (Belgium) by Alan Weiss (piano) and Young Belgian Strings conducted by Dirk Van de Moortel

Commissioned by Elisabethiade Leuven (Belgium) and dedicated to Mrs. Marie-Claire Plets

String Quartet No. 1 "Resonances" (2015)

Premiere: 18 November 2015 in the Academy Hall, CC De Boogaard, Sint-Truiden (Belgium) by Taurus String Quartet (Belgium)

Commissioned by CC De Boogaard in the main area of Taurus String Quartet, Sint-Truiden (Belgium)

"Ella's Blues", crossover composition for tenor saxophone and piano (2015)

Premiere: 11 July 2015 during the 17th World Saxophone Congress, Strasbourg (France) by Jeroen Vanbever (tenor saxophone) and Bart Van Caenegem (piano)

Commissioned by Jeroen Vanbever (Belgium)

"Sotto voce" a song for soprano, violin, cello and theorbo (2015)

On a poem by Joris Capenberghs

Premiere: 3 March 2015 in AMUZ (Antwerp) (Belgium) by Griet De Geyer (soprano), Bert Van Laethem (violin), Benjamin Glorieux (cello), Jurgen De bruyn (theorbe)

For Els Van Laethem, on the occasion of a benefit concert at AMUZ (Antwerp) (Belgium)

"New Stairs" version for violin, alto saxophone and piano (2014)

Premiere: 9 October 2014 in Luca School of Arts, Campus Lemmens (Leuven) (Belgium)

Commissioned by Kugoni Trio (Belgium)

"New Stairs" for piano four-hands (2013)

Premiere: 18 October 2013 – during tour 2013-2014 of Piano duo Yin-Yang (Jan Michiels & Inge Spinette)

As part of the Festival of Flanders, CC Westrand, Dilbeek (Belgium)

Petit Concert…Du Diable (2006) for violin, clarinet, horn, and four-hand piano

First performance October 20, 2006, Heist-op-den-Berg, by Frescamente and Jan Michiels (piano)

Commissioned by Jeugd & Muziek Vlaanderen (Belgium)

Les Idées for mezzo-soprano, flute, clarinet, harp, and string quartet (2005)

First performance April 30, 2005, Dendermonde (Belgium) by Oxalys

Commissioned by Oxalys, Belgium

Toccatas for flute, cello, and piano (2003)

First performance December 7 and 9, 2003, Toronto and Montreal (Canada) by the Phoenix Trio

Commissioned by the Phoenix Trio, Belgium

Waves for oboe and piano (1999)

First performance April 25, 1999 by Eric Speller (oboe) and Edoardo Torbianelli (piano)

Commissioned for the Chamber Music Series of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra of Flanders, Belgium

Adagio for oboe sextet (ob, 2 vlns, vla, vcl., db.) (1996)

First performance April 3, 1996

Commissioned by Joris Van den Hauwe (oboe) and Piacevole, Belgium

Partita for recorder quartet (1995)

First performance September 30, 1995, by the Flanders' Recorder Quartet

Commissioned by the Flanders' Recorder Quartet, Belgium

"Partita" for oboe solo (2016)

Premiere: 23 March 2016 by Piet Van Bockstal in CC "De Schakel" in Waregem (Belgium)

Commissioned by CC "De Schakel" in Waregem (Belgium) (in collaboration with Piet Van Bockstal)

"But Beautiful" for piano solo (2015)

Premiere: 22 May 2015, Jeroen D'hoe (piano)

For Dr. Inez Vandenbussche – commissioned by the Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UPC-KU Leuven (Belgium) and premiered during the "But Beautiful" Party Symposium (on the occasion of the retirement of Dr. Inez Vandenbussche, child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Medical-Psychological Clinic from 1980 to 2015)

Wekkering for carillon solo (2009)

Premiere: August 28 2009 by Carl Van Eyndhoven, Mol (Belgium)

Commissioned by Beiaardcomité Mol (Belgium)

Toccata-Scherzo for piano solo (2002)

First performance during the semi-finals of the International Queen Elisabeth Competition for piano on May 19–25, 2003, Brussels (Belgium)

Winning composition of the National Composition Competition of the Queen Elisabeth Competition 2003

Piano Suite n°1 (1995)

First performance June 14, 1995 by Katrien Derde (piano)

The version for soprano, piano and string quintet was commissioned by Drongenhofkapel – Berlinde De Bruyckere (Ghent) (Belgium)

"Callisto's Lullaby" for SATB a cappella choir (2016)

On a poem by Mercedes Kemp

CD recording July 2016 by vocal ensemble Aquarius (Belgium) for the CD "Douces Nuits" (Éditions Jade (France))

Commissioned by vocal ensemble Aquarius (Belgium)

Edition score: Éditions Jade (France)

Dickinson Songs for soprano and piano (2013)

Premiere: March 1 2013 in OPEK, 30CC, Leuven (Belgium) by Annelies Van Gramberen, soprano & Jeroen D’hoe, piano

Commissioned by 30CC, Leuven (Belgium)

Gloria I for “European Mass” (2012)

Premiere: August 9-13, 2012 during the project C.H.O.I.R. 2012, Landesakademie Ochsenhausen (Germany)

Commissioned by the Landesakademie Ochsenhausen on the occasion of "60 Years Baden-Württemberg" (Germany)

Shadows (2011)

Premiere: May 5 2011 by Zefiro Torna with live calligraphy by Brody Neuenschwander, text artist

Commissioned by Festival of Flanders, Mechelen (Belgium)

Visions (version for mixed chorus a cappella) (2006)

Texts: Walt Whitman: Crossing Brooklyn Ferry (excerpt) / Emily Dickinson: They Dropped Like Flakes, They Dropped Like Stars

Commissioned by the Goeyvaerts Consort and Marc Michael De Smet (cond.), Belgium

Concedido for four-part a cappella female choir (2005)

First performance April 29, 2005, Leuven (Belgium) by Concinite, Peter Dejans (cond.)

Commissioned by Concinite, Belgium

Visions for mixed chorus and string quartet (2002)

Texts: Walt Whitman: Crossing Brooklyn Ferry (excerpt) / Emily Dickinson: They Dropped Like Flakes, They Dropped Like Stars

First performance August 1, 2002 by the Goeyvaerts Consort, the Danel String Quartet, and Marc Michael De Smet (cond.) during the opening ceremony of the International Musicological Society (IMS) Congress 2002, Leuven (Belgium)

Commissioned by the Alamire Foundation, Belgium

Four Yeats Songs for soprano and piano (1995)

First performance June 15, 1995 by Ann Willems (sopr.) and Régine Willems (piano)

“Mass for Unbelievers” (“Mis voor Ongelovigen”) (2011)

Based on an an idea by Bart Van Dongen
On texts by Jibbe Willems

Creation 17 and 18 September 2011 by Jean-Pierre van Hees (music direction and bagpipes), Annelies Van Gramberen (soprano solo), Wout Oosterkamp (bass solo), Aag Dereymaeker (violin), Ludo Mariën (accordion), Jurgen De bruyn (guitar); Lieke Benders (theatre director)

Commissioned by "Intro In Situ" and Musica Sacra Festival, Maastricht (The Netherlands)

Program notes (for trailer):

Mass for Unbelievers

There is nothing I can offer / Nothing tangible, no things / To give hope or comfort or support / I can only sing my words

From the Ten Commandments to a Mass for Unbelievers seems like a sharp contradiction. However, is not every human being ever faced with the question of how he relates to the religious? For many artists, therefore, man and his question of faith is an important source of inspiration. Based on the book The Ten Commandments; manual for the 21st century by Spanish philosopher Fernando Savater (1947), this Mass for Unbelievers is an abstract composition in which folk music and composed music intertwine and entice dance and song.

From an old abandoned factory hall, we will take you on a musical journey through different spaces and musical moods. Together with six musicians and a performer, you will become part of the Mass for Unbelievers, a joyful mass full of sad sounds. A visual and aural experience of collectivity in solitude: about man abandoned by God...or man who has abandoned God.

Bagpipes and music direction: Jean-Pierre van Hees
Theater direction: Lieke Benders
Composition: Jeroen D'hoe
Violin: Aag Dereymaeker
Accordion: Ludo Mariën
Guitar: Jurgen De Bruyn
Soprano: Annelies van Gramberen
Bass: Wout Oosterkamp
Text: Jibbe Willems
Play: Dennis Vanderbroeck
Based on an idea by: Bart van Dongen

Trailer: November 10, 2012 - 's Hertogenbosch (The Netherlands) - November Music


____________

Mis voor Ongelovigen

Er is niet dat ik kan bieden / Niets dat tastbaar is, geen dingen / Om hoop of troost of steun te geven / Ik kan alleen mijn woorden zingen

Vanuit de Tien Geboden naar een Mis voor Ongelovigen lijkt een scherpe tegenstelling. Echter, wordt niet elk mens ooit geconfronteerd met de vraag hoe hij zich verhoudt tot het religieuze? Voor veel kunstenaars vormt de mens en zijn geloofsvraagstuk dan ook een belangrijke inspiratiebron. Gebaseerd op het boek De Tien Geboden; handleiding voor de 21ste eeuw van de Spaanse filosoof Fernando Savater (1947), is deze Mis voor Ongelovigen een abstracte compositie waarin volksmuziek en gecomponeerde muziek zich vervlechten en verleiden tot dans en zang.

Vanuit een oude verlaten fabriekshal nemen wij u mee op een muzikale tocht door verschillende ruimtes en muzikale stemmingen. Samen met zes muzikanten en een performer wordt u deelgenoot van de Mis voor Ongelovigen, een vreugdevolle mis vol droevige klanken. Een beeldende en auditieve ervaring van collectiviteit in eenzaamheid: over de door God verlaten mens...of de mens die God heeft verlaten.

Doedelzak en muziekregie: Jean-Pierre van Hees
Theaterregie: Lieke Benders
Compositie: Jeroen D'hoe
Viool: Aag Dereymaeker
Accordeon: Ludo Mariën
Gitaar: Jurgen De Bruyn
Sopraan: Annelies van Gramberen
Bas: Wout Oosterkamp
Tekst: Jibbe Willems
Spel: Dennis Vanderbroeck
Naar een idee van: Bart van Dongen

Trailer: 10 november 2012 - 's Hertogenbosch (Nederland) - November Music

"Feast of Fools – Bruegel rediscovered" (Castle of Gaasbeek) (Belgium) for various chamber ensembles (2019)

Premiere (audio-visual installations): 6 April 2019 in the Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium)

Commissioned by Gaasbeek Castle and Gado Gado Film Productions (NL)

"Once Upon a Castle" for various vocal-instrumental ensembles; sound installations (2014)

Premiere: 16 April 2014 in the Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium), interdisciplinary installations (extended until November 2015)

In collaboration with the artistic collective WildWorks, Cornwall, UK (concept, direction, libretto)

Commissioned by the Castle of Gaasbeek for the exhibitions "Once Upon a Castle"(2014) and "Twice Upon a Castle" (2015)

"Air Born" for mezzo-soprano, (ethnic) flutes and cello (audio installations) (2013)

Premiere: 6 September 2013 in the Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium), exhibition "In Between" (6 September to 3 November 2013)

Commissioned by the Castle of Gaasbeek (Belgium), for the exhibition "In Between"

"A Chair, An Empty Room" for soprano and acoustic/electric guitars (audiovisual installation) (2013)

Premiere: 22 March 2013 at the Gruuthuse Museum, Bruges (Belgium)
with calligrapher and video artist Brody Neuenschwander

Commissioned by the Gruuthuse Museum, Bruges (Belgium)

Video installation in the Gruuthuse Museum, Bruges (Belgium), as part of the exhibition "Liefde en Devotie" ("Love and Devotion")

Video and libretto by Brody Neuenschwander
Music by Jeroen D'hoe

Soprano: Annelies Van Gramberen; acoustic and electric guitars: Sim Van Thienen; soprano saxophone: Peter Vandendriessche; sound engineer & mixing: Johan Favoreel

Camera: Jens Vanysacker; video editing: Igor De Baecke

Change Ringing (2009), a composition/soundscape (text by Brody Neuenschwander) for mezzo-soprano, ensemble and electronics

Premiere: March 21 2009, Sint-Rombouts Cathedral, Mechelen (Belgium)

Commissioned by the City of Mechelen (Belgium)

Skin for mezzo-soprano and guitar (2007)

Music for a ‘soundscape calligraphy’ (audiovisual museum installation) by Brody Neuenschwander

Presentations: August 2007, Hospitaalmuseum, Bruges (Belgium) and March 2008, Ginza Graphic Gallery, Tokyo (Japan)

Commissioned by Brody Neuenschwander