Bikkembergs, Kurt: Psalmi Novi No. 5

Kurt Bikkembergs (*1963) studied composition and conducting at the renowned Lemmens Institute in Leuven. At present, he is the choir director of the Vlaamse Opera and musical director of the Cathedral in Brussels. He writes about his work: 'Young people need music, contemporary music, to express their own attitude towards life. "Psalmi novi" tries to help to achieve that by means of - new interpretations and translations from the old bible, - expressive rhythms, modern harmonies and speech-song techniques, - the use of lips, also for whistling, as well as of hands and feet, - the use of simple "special instruments" such as tambourine and kazoos.' The world premiere took place this August as part of the international choral festival 'Europa Cantat' in Mainz. A very effective cycle the parts of which can also be performed separately at concerts or church service.