Scala Vocale celebrates 30 years with Mozart and Charpentier at St. Rombouts Cathedral

Scala Vocale: This past weekend, St. Rombouts Cathedral in Mechelen (Belgium) was all about festive sounds. The Mechelen vocal ensemble Scala Vocale celebrated its thirtieth anniversary. This with a grand classical concert that took place both Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon. Sunday in particular was packed: as many as 700 guests filled the majestic cathedral to the last seat. As a blogger and vlogger, of course I could not miss this special moment. Armed with pen, or say smartphone and camera, I immersed myself in an impressive mix of history, music and emotion.

A Musical Journey through 30 years of Scala Vocale

Scala Vocale, founded in 1993 by Lode Tooten, has grown over three decades into one of Flanders’ leading amateur choirs. What once began with just 18 singers is now an ensemble with more than 60 members. The repertoire? A harmonious blend of Baroque, Renaissance and Romantic, interspersed with contemporary works. (Continue reading below the photos)

This anniversary concert revolved around two masterpieces: Mozart’s Requiem in d-moll and Charpentier’s Te Deum. Especially Mozart’s Requiem, performed in the new version by Howard Arman, was a highlight. This version, recently discovered and adapted, even had its Belgian premiere in Mechelen ! The powerful sounds filled the cathedral with a magical atmosphere, which coincided perfectly with the festive anniversary.

A Festive Start with Ann Cnop and the Conservatory Baroque Orchestra

The evening was opened by the Baroque Orchestra of the Mechelen Conservatory, conducted by the talented Ann Cnop. She immediately managed to set the tone with some wonderful renditions that already had the audience in raptures. The collaboration between Scala Vocale and the Mechelen Conservatory Baroque orchestra, with a mix of a total of 100 passionate musicians and singers on stage, gave the concert an extra dimension, with the craftsmanship of both groups clearly evident.

A Choir with Passion and Vision

What makes Scala Vocale special is the dedication and enjoyment of its members. “Singing in group creates a chemistry you won’t find anywhere else,” said chairman Bernard Sintobin. Despite the challenges during the pandemic, the choir not only managed to survive, but to grow. The result? A diverse ensemble that performs high-quality music together, supported by the passionate leadership of conductor Lode Tooten.

Tooten, now 71, remains an indispensable force behind Scala Vocale. But he is also thinking about the future. “The choir can continue without me, although of course another conductor will bring his own style,” he says. His partner, who suffers from ALS, motivates him to make room for new priorities in time. Look back at the concert celebrating Lode’s 70th birthday here

Concert Highlights

Mozart’s Requiem

With its deep emotion and complex harmonies, Mozart’s Requiem remains one of the most beloved classical works. The collaboration with the Baroque Orchestra of the Mechelen Conservatory and the talented soloists made this performance unique. Soprano Cristel De Meulder, alto Anita Dur, tenor Jan Caals and bass Joris Stroobants provided an unforgettable performance.
(Continue reading below the photos)

The Te Deum of Charpentier

Who does not recognize the famous Eurovision tune? This energetic work, full of trumpets and timpani, brought a festive note to the concert. Conductor Lode Tooten majestically opened the evening with it after Ann Cnop, which immediately set the tone for an impressive celebration.
(Continue reading below the photos)

Lize Marke an icon of Flemish song

One of the guests of honor at the anniversary concert was Lize Marke, an icon of Flemish light song between 1962 and 1975. Radiant and visibly impressed, she shared her experience: “I enjoyed this concert intensely,” she recounted “At one point I felt transported back to another century. The acoustics in this cathedral are simply magnificent. The choir, the orchestra … everything sounded so wonderful. Wow! This was truly unique and impressive.” Lize Marke is still known to many for her participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1965 with“When it’s Spring.” (Als het lente is)

She concluded her moving testimony with a warm message: “I am extremely happy to have encountered Lode on my life’s journey. I cherish that and will continue to hold onto it.” You can watch the full interview soon on Traveltopper YouTube. Don’t miss it! Subscribe today, it is and always will be free. Check back here for a Christmas concert Samana (2019) with Lize Marke and Lode Tooten

A Look to the Future

Although the anniversary concert was the crowning glory, Scala Vocale is also looking ahead. In addition to the search for new members – tenors are especially welcome – a CD was recently released with recordings made at St. Martin’s Church in Hombeek. This is a musical gadget that further underscores the 30th anniversary.

With 30 years of musical history, passion and dedication, Scala Vocale is an indispensable piece of Mechelen’s cultural heritage. This concert was not only an ode to music, but also to the people who keep this art alive.

“I am very proud of the choir that today consists of almost 62 choir members, and also the collaboration with Baroque Orchestra of the Conservatory of Mechelen, very fruitful” said Lode Tooten as inspirer of Scala Vocale, his brainchild. “The orchestra of the Conservatory is composed and led by Ann Cnop who had proposed a collaboration, and I am therefore very proud of the performance that came about this weekend” said a satisfied Lode but now after all the preparations, rehearsals and concerts urgently looking forward to a few days of necessary rest. You will soon be able to watch the full interview on Traveltopper YouTube. Don’t miss it! Subscribe today, it is and always will be free.

Curious about more? Be sure to visit Scala Vocale’s website for their latest projects and concert dates.