LES
ROLANDINS
Vocal
Group from Mons
For a number of years,
the idea of creating a vocal group whose primary source of material would
be the incredibly rich repertoire that Renaissance music constitutes
pursued a few individuals who were particularly passionate about the
subject. In 1968, at one of
their earliest performances at the Théâtre
Royal in Mons, they had yet to decide on a name
for their group. Just minutes
before the curtain went up, the Théâtre
Royal's director said, Ladies and Gentlemen,
please welcome…Les ROLANDINS".
The audience, mostly residents of Mons, understood the allusion
immediately. They knew that
Roland de LASSUS, one of the most illustrious figures of the Renaissance,
that period which so profoundly influenced the arts in general and music
in particular, was born within the walls of that city.
Over the last thirty years that introduction has been uttered
hundreds of times, in Mons and elsewhere in Belgium, as well as in Germany,
France, Spain, the United States, Czechoslovakia, Slovenia and more
recently in Portugal.
On the occasion of their 35th anniversary (2003) they
went on a tour of Slovenia where they established new and lasting
friendships with the members of the Adriatic Chorus in Hrvatini.
Everywhere they go, the ROLANDINS' first objective is to
communicate their love for the music to the audience.
Each audience is unique and has its own tastes and experiences, but
the enthusiasm with which these musicians share the fruits of their hard
work, whose focus is on the quality, subtlety and originality of their
repertoire, is infectious.
Their efforts have often been rewarded with invitations to
participate in the "Honors" category of the "Rencontres
d'Art Choral"
organized by the Province of Hainaut; with radio and television
appearances (RTVE-Spain, RTBF, RTL-TVI, Télé M-B, etc); and with
recognition from the Ministry of the French Community of Belgium's
"Tournées Art & Vie".
Supported and encouraged by the City of Mons, the ROLANDINS have
actively participated in the city's major cultural and folkloric events
such as the Procession of the Car D'Or (in period dress), and the
ceremonial lifting-down of the shrine of Ste Waudru during the Doudou
Festival. They were the first outsiders ever to participate in Bruges's
famous Procession of the Holy Blood and to revive the memory of their
illustrious patron Roland de Lassus.
In September 2002, they played an active part in the homage to
Roland de Lassus organized by the City of Mons and the not-for-profit
organization Mons-Musique.
In November 2001, they welcomed the Roland de LASSUS Choir from
Paris. They were subsequently invited to perform in the City of Lights in
return.
The content and composition of their concert programs has of course
been refined over the thirty years of the group's life.
True to their origins, they continue to dedicate a large part of
their time and energy to music of the Renaissance, although they are
increasingly incorporating other styles of music into their repertoire,
such as music from the romantic period, and occasionally venturing to
perform folkloric and variety songs.
In this, the third millennium, Les ROLANDINS are turning in a new
direction and are dedicating more and more of their time to sacred music,
both classical and contemporary.
The group's continuity and their achievements through effort and an
unflagging quest for quality are largely due to the constant and
uninterrupted devotion of Yves WUYTS, who has been the musical director of
the group since its creation.
He is that rare choral director who is adept at putting together a
program and a choice of music that excite both the singers and the
audience. His dedication is a
precious asset.
The group is a charter member of the "À
Cœur Joie"
Movement, and has recently joined the Fédération
Musicale du Hainaut.
Pascal GILQUIN,
President
For
further information, contact:
Pascal
Gilquin ( president )
chemin des Préelles, 28A/102
7000
MONS
tel: +32 65 317 001
gsm: +32 496 513 985
pascal.gilquin@rolandins.be
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