Hildebrandt Consort

HILDEBRANDT CONSORT, named after the organ builder celebrated by J.S. Bach, Zacharias Hildebrandt, was founded by its artistic director, Wouter Dekoninck. Hildebrandt Consort performs on international stages and (organ) festivals, live on the radio and television, in cultural centres, the Flemish Parliament, and appeared with the 'De Nieuwe Snaar' folk and cabaret group in 2014. The ensemble specialises in the interpretation of transcriptions for organ and baroque orchestra. International reviews of their productions, such as the St. John Passion, the B minor Mass and Wouter Dekoninck’s creation of the Grosse Messe 1739 für Bach und Luther, have been glowing. Like no other, it has a true understanding of the chemistry of metamorphoses, like the old masters themselves. These passionate musicians transform violin concerti into organ concerti, keyboard suites into orchestral suites (with or without solo organ) and preludes into fugues for baroque orchestra (and solo organ). Among the group's much loved and still running programs are [Bach]²: The Art of Transcription: J.S. Bach and the Spirit of Handel. In 2017, the ensemble unveiled the Grosse Messe 1739 für Bach und Luther, a transcription of J.S. Bach's Dritter Teil der Clavierübung, a monumental organ mass of J.S. Bach colourfully translated by Wouter Dekoninck into the soundscape of Bach's baroque orchestra with singers. The 2018-2019 season will premiere their brand-new transcription programme, Tea with Mendelssohn and Coffee with Schumann, an enchanting combination of magnificent organ works and intimate chamber music for strings. The CD [Bach]²: The Art of Transcription, will also be released during the same season. Hildebrandt Consort is also the driving force behind the concert series Bach in Leuven, where the ensemble is in residence.(Translation: Jill Rupnow)