Distant Echoes

In both music and architecture, we often encounter a shared desire: to preserve the past without freezing it in time. Music from centuries ago is not merely reproduced, but reimagined within a contemporary context, where ancient elements are interwoven with modern timbres. In much the same way, church buildings are transformed: their historical architecture is preserved, while new functions are introduced that respond to the needs of today. Contemporary composers draw inspiration from the subtle and finely woven textures of Franco-Flemish polyphony, from composers such as Ockeghem, Lassus and Desprez. In this way, music from a distant past is brought back to life — re-coloured, reinterpreted, and infused with new layers of meaning. The Heilig Hart Church in Sint-Amandsberg, deconsecrated in 2016, has likewise undergone such a transformation and is now the urban space Hartetroef. It remains a place of encounter, a connecting force within the neighbourhood, yet without its former religious connotations. Just as the music of the polyphonists is detached from its original religious context while retaining its spiritual resonance in new compositions, the striking architecture of the Heilig Hart Church continues to invite encounter, reflection and dialogue. Both in sound and in stone, there is a process of revaluation and reinterpretation. The meaningful silence of the former Heilig Hart Church — and in particular the newly created upper level, bringing the heavens, the ridge of the nave, closer than ever — offers an ideal acoustic space for music that carries echoes of centuries-old traditions. The space is revived through sound, while the music is in turn sustained by the space: the past is not merely a distant memory, but is actively reshaped in the present. The concert starts at 4 pm and is preceded by an introduction by architect Paul Vermeulen. Those who wish to immerse themselves more deeply in the space can register for a guided tour with the architect at 3 pm.