“War &Peace”
Furore Ensemble feat.Mylène Kroon
Our concert performance weaves together the voices of the past and present under the theme of War and Peace. Two members of our ensemble come from Ukraine, where the experience of war is not an abstract theme but a daily reality. This reality shapes our program and gives it urgency and truth.
At the heart of the concert are four Ukrainian folk songs - “Oi, vershe miy, vershe”, “Oi, chyi to kin stoit”, “Vzhe sontse nyzen’ko” and “Ivanky”. We present them in our own arrangements for baroque quartet, live electronics, and vocals. These songs embody the strength, wisdom, and unity of a people who endure. Through this dialogue between folk tradition and contemporary sound, we aim to create a sonic space where grief and hope coexist, echoing the resilience of human spirit in times of war.
Alongside these folk works, we feature compositions by remarkable women of the Baroque: Isabella Leonarda, Élisabeth - Claude Jacquet de La Guerre, Barbara Strozzi, and the anonymous “Mrs. Philarmonica.” Their music, full of vitality and expressive power, stands as a testament to life, creativity, and peace. In this context, the works of women become symbols of continuity, nurturing, and renewal.
Our program also connects directly to the Coudenberg Palace’s rich heritage. By including the Belgian composer Peeter Cornet, we imagine that his music might once have resonated within these very walls, linking us to the cultural life that flourished here centuries ago. At the same time, the history of the palace fire in 1731 resonates with us: as though we are gathered in the underground ruins, like people sheltering from fire and war. And now, here in these vaulted cellars, we too find ourselves forced to seek refuge from war - yet we play, sing, and make music together. In doing so, we sustain our spirit, endure the trials, and find the strength to live through these dark times.
At the heart of the concert are four Ukrainian folk songs - “Oi, vershe miy, vershe”, “Oi, chyi to kin stoit”, “Vzhe sontse nyzen’ko” and “Ivanky”. We present them in our own arrangements for baroque quartet, live electronics, and vocals. These songs embody the strength, wisdom, and unity of a people who endure. Through this dialogue between folk tradition and contemporary sound, we aim to create a sonic space where grief and hope coexist, echoing the resilience of human spirit in times of war.
Alongside these folk works, we feature compositions by remarkable women of the Baroque: Isabella Leonarda, Élisabeth - Claude Jacquet de La Guerre, Barbara Strozzi, and the anonymous “Mrs. Philarmonica.” Their music, full of vitality and expressive power, stands as a testament to life, creativity, and peace. In this context, the works of women become symbols of continuity, nurturing, and renewal.
Our program also connects directly to the Coudenberg Palace’s rich heritage. By including the Belgian composer Peeter Cornet, we imagine that his music might once have resonated within these very walls, linking us to the cultural life that flourished here centuries ago. At the same time, the history of the palace fire in 1731 resonates with us: as though we are gathered in the underground ruins, like people sheltering from fire and war. And now, here in these vaulted cellars, we too find ourselves forced to seek refuge from war - yet we play, sing, and make music together. In doing so, we sustain our spirit, endure the trials, and find the strength to live through these dark times.