May 6 – 9, 2027 | Concertgebouw Brugge
International Singing Project
in collaboration with Koor&Stem Flanders
In collaboration with Koor&Stem Flanders, we invite singers from all over the world to join a special choral project in Bruges.
At its heart is the powerful symphony-cantata Lobgesang by Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy – a work rich in expression and sonic brilliance. The programme is complemented by Psalm Op. 42 “Wie der Hirsch schreit” and “Verleih uns Frieden gnädiglich”.
Under the musical direction of Heinz Ferlesch, participants will engage in an intensive rehearsal process that combines artistic excellence with a shared musical experience. The final performance will take place at the renowned Concertgebouw Brugge – an outstanding venue with a unique atmosphere.
A project for dedicated singers who wish to explore Mendelssohn’s music in an international setting and spectacularly bring it to the stage together.
CHORALSPACE On Tour for the first time in Belgium
Would you like to sing with us?
The project is open to singers who register individually as well as to choirs and ensembles that can participate as a complete ensemble or as part of an ensemble.
Registrations are now open.
Read more and join us today!
What do we sing?
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy
Lobgesang
Op. 52, 1840
Carus 40.076/03, ISMN 979-0-007-06099-2
Wie der Hirsch schreit
Der 42. Psalm, MWV A 15, 1837
Carus 40.072/03, ISMN 979-0-007-06062-6
Verleih uns Frieden gnädiglich
MWV A 11, 1831
Carus 40.481/03, ISMN 979-0-007-06995-7
Scores are available in our webshop or in music stores.
Participating choirs and ensembles also have the opportunity to present their own repertoire in various concerts during the project.
Who will lead the project?
The project is led by Heinz Ferlesch, a.o. Choir Director of the Wiener Singakademie, the Ad Libitum Choir and conductor of the original period ensemble Barucco.
The collaboration between Heinz Ferlesch and CHORALSPACE has given rise to some of the most exciting projects of recent years, including the Mozart Requiem project in 2023 at the Berlin Philharmonie, the New Year’s Eve concerts at the Vienna Konzerthaus in 2023 and 2024, as well as the acclaimed performance of Schubert’s Mass in E-flat at the Musikverein Vienna.
Where will rehearsals and concerts take place?
The rehearsals of May 6 and 7 will take place at the BMCC (Beursplein 1, 8000 Bruges)
The rehearsals of May 8 and 9 as well as the concert will be held in the beautiful Concertgebouw Brugge (‘t Zand 34, 8000 Bruges) and will be part of the official program of the venue.
The locations for the other rehearsals will be announced soon.
What costs are involved?
The participation fee for the festival is 120 EUR per participant.
Non-performing accompanying persons are offered a reduced participation fee of 55 EUR per person, which includes access to all rehearsals and tickets in the best category for the concerts, including the performance at the Concertgebouw Brugge.
Accompanying persons, friends, and fans who only wish to attend the concerts can soon purchase tickets in our webshop.
Where can I find accommodation?
For this project, we will select several hotels near the Concertgebouw that offer special rates for participants. You will find the link with the offers here.
Mendelssohn in Bruges
The Premiere of CHORALSPACE in Belgium
Perform with us!
Project Schedule
May 6, 2027
Choir & Piano Rehearsal
16:00 – 18:30 BMCC
Welcome Concert
21:00 – 22:00 BMCC
Possibility for participating choirs to present solo showcases
May 7, 2027
Choir & Piano Rehearsal
16:00 – 18:00 BMCC
Choir & Piano Rehearsal
18:30 – 20:30 BMCC
May 8, 2027
Choir & Piano Rehearsal
10:00 – 12:00 Concertgebouw Brugge
“Saturday in Bruges” Concert
15:00 – 17:00 Venue tba
Possibility for participating choirs to present solo showcases
Choir & Orchestra Rehearsal
19:00 – 21:30 Concertgebouw Brugge
May 9, 2027
Final Rehearsal
10:00 – 13:00 Concertgebouw Brugge
Concert “Mendelssohn in Bruges”
15:00 – 17:00 Concertgebouw Brugge
Get Together
Various locations in Bruges
Artistic Leadership
Heinz Ferlesch (Principal Conductor)
In 1998, Heinz Ferlesch took over the position of the artistic director of the Wiener Singakademie. As one of its longest serving directors, he has shaped the style of the choir and has helped to build up a program to support and sponsor young artists. This includes not only the development and further training of the choir members, but also the inclusion of young, gifted soloists and ensembles in the concert programs.
Heinz Ferlesch has led two CHORALSPACE projects so far: The Mozart Requiem in 2023 and the Schubert’s Mass in Es at the Golden Hall of the Musikverein in Vienna in 2025.
Take the stage with us
Register today
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any question or comments.